Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete significance assessments for entire collections, or collections within a larger collection. Significance is determined by applying criteria including value, meaning and history attached to individual objects or collections as a whole.
The unit applies to individuals who work in collecting organisations and apply in-depth knowledge of collections and a range of specialised technical skills to make reasoned judgements and sound decisions when undertaking significance assessments that assist in the process of managing collections. In larger organisations, specialised curatorial staff may undertake this role. In smaller organisations, the role may be undertaken by individuals with broader management responsibilities, by committees and boards of management, or combinations of different personnel. Work is undertaken according to established procedures and in consultation with others.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to assess the significance of collections | 1.1 Identify collections to be assessed 1.2 Determine purpose for undertaking significance assessment 1.3 Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment of collection 1.4 In consultation with colleagues, identify factors that may impact on the assessment and take these into account when planning work |
2. Apply assessment methodology | 2.1 Research the history and wider context of collections using sources of information 2.2 Review the scope and themes of collection and compare to organisational mission, purpose and key themes 2.3 Consult with relevant personnel to determine the social value of collection 2.4 Analyse and describe the condition of collection |
3. Develop statements of significance | 3.1 Identify and compare collection with similar collections 3.2 Assess significance against primary and comparative criteria 3.3 Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of collection 3.4 Seek feedback from colleagues on statement of significance 3.5 Enter significance assessment into organisational records in the required format and within required timeframes |
4. Review assessments of collections | 4.1 Reassess significance of collection 4.2 Update statement of significance to reflect reassessment 4.3 Amend organisational records 4.4 Prepare recommendations for further action as required |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
identify the purpose of undertaking a significance assessment of collections
identify factors that may impact on the significance assessment and plan work accordingly
research history of collection, wider context, provenance information and comparative examples, identifying and accessing reputable sources of related information
assess the significance of collection using the appropriate methodology and within required timeframes
complete a significance assessment for a collection, developing a statement of significance of its value and meaning that includes:
considered assessment of the value, meaning and importance of collection
benchmark for future use
communication of values for interpretive programs
images, where available, of other comparative collections
record of the crucial provenance details and association of objects within collection
summary of the meaning and importance of collection
summary of the process of investigation and assessment
consult effectively with relevant people about the provenance of objects in collection and the collection’s significance.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
identify and detail organisational strengths, goals, policies and strategies in relation to managing and assessing collections
explain the methodology for significance assessment of collections
explain the difference between primary and comparative criteria in an assessment
describe the process for accessing technical specialists
describe the process for locating, interpreting, interrogating and verifying sources of information to assist in assessing the significance of collections.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
tools, equipment and storage system for statements of significance
information sources
objects and items to assess
organisational policies and procedures related to significance assessment
sources of advice.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2 | Locates, analyses and interprets information to determine job requirements |
Writing | 2.4, 3.3, 3.5, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 | Develops material for a specific purpose using clear and detailed language to convey explicit statements and recommendations Prepares and updates records in the required format |
Oral communication | 1.4, 2.3, 3.4 | Provides and seeks information about collections using language and features appropriate to the audience and context Uses questioning and listening skills to clarify understanding or seek more detailed information |
Numeracy | 2.4, 3.2, 3.3 | Interprets numerical information and applies basic mathematical calculations to record the value of collections |
Navigate the world of work | 2.2, 3.5, 4.3 | Works independently and collectively to achieve organisational outcomes in relation to assessing the significance of collections Takes personal responsibility for following organisational policies and procedures |
Interact with others | 1.4, 2.3, 3.4 | Collaborates and cooperates with others to discuss significance issues and achieve joint outcomes |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.4 | Plans, prioritises and implements tasks required to achieve outcomes according to workplace procedures and within timelines Systematically gathers and analyses all relevant information and evaluates options to make informed decisions Considers how best to involve others in decision making, using collaborative processes as part of the decision-making process Uses problem solving techniques to identify and analyse issues Uses digital technologies and systems to undertake research, enter data and present information |
Sectors
Cultural services - collection management