Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information needs of relevant stakeholders, and then search external and networked sources to meet those needs.
The unit applies to those who are working in library services within established guidelines and under general supervision. They may be working in public, school, medical, law, business, or academic libraries. Requests relate to information that cannot be satisfied from sources within the organisation.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine stakeholder information needs | 1.1 Determine and confirm exact nature of information needs with relevant stakeholder 1.2 Discuss options for satisfying requests with relevant stakeholder, taking into account any specific requirements 1.3 Keep relevant stakeholder informed of delivery progress 1.4 Recommend alternative options to fulfil relevant stakeholder information needs, where required |
2. Clarify details of required information resources | 2.1 Verify bibliographic and other relevant details and locate required information resources 2.2 Check availability of required information from external or networked sources |
3. Search external and networked sources | 3.1 Complete information search based on knowledge of external and networked sources 3.2 Check availability of information resources from external and networked sources by searching catalogues for items already held, and electronic databases 3.3 Identify reciprocal interlibrary lending networks and document delivery systems and services to source required information 3.4 Seek assistance to source information that is difficult to locate |
4. Obtain and return information | 4.1 Complete and despatch requests to external sources using organisational standards, systems and procedures 4.2 Monitor requests to and from external sources and follow-up, as required 4.3 Check condition of information resources received from external sources and confirm they meet relevant stakeholder needs 4.4 Monitor receipt of electronic documents and present to customers using approved delivery methods 4.5 Confirm compliance with copyright legislation in relation to supply of photocopied or electronic documents 4.6 Take action to recall material, where required, and return to provider in the required condition 4.7 Inform provider of difficulties in relation to return of material and take action |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:
respond to a request for an inter-library loan
respond to a request for a document delivery
request an inter-library loan
request a document delivery.
In the course of the above, the candidate must:
communicate effectively and efficiently with relevant stakeholders
use external sources and bibliographic tools, including electronic sources, to obtain different types of information
search external sources effectively to meet a range of different information needs.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:
key components of bibliographic records
key features of copyright legislation relevant to inter-library loans and document delivery
relevant external sources of information
common information services networks that facilitate access to external sources
common interlibrary lending policies and standards, and codes.
Assessment Conditions
Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.
This includes access to:
a range of library and information services and resources
industry-current information technologies
policies, procedures and documents on accessing external sources of information
special purpose equipment, materials and industry software packages.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
Reading | Evaluates information resources from a variety of sources to ensure appropriateness to client needs Interprets information from sources to identify relevant and key information |
Writing | Records and completes organisational documents and correspondence using clear language and correct spelling, grammar and terminology |
Oral Communication | Uses techniques, including active listening and questioning, to clarify information and confirm understanding |
Self-management | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes |
Problem solving | Responds to predictable routine problems and implements standard or logical solutions |
Technology | Uses familiar digital technologies and systems to access information, search and enter data, present information and communicate with others |
Sectors
Technical Skills – Information Services