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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Understand information retrieval and storage processes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123553  Understand information retrieval and storage processes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Library and Information Studies 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language Information Studies 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard will serve to introduce the learner to Library and Information Services. It will equip the learner with a basic understanding of the ways in which information resource materials are organised, retrieved and stored in libraries. Furthermore, a basic knowledge of the various types of resources will be acquired.

Learners accredited with this Unit Standard will be capable of:
  • Searching for information records in the library catalogue.
  • Applying knowledge of the physically separate sections by which the library is organised.
  • Retrieve the correct item from its physical location in response to request and respond according to library procedure and policy if the item is not available.
  • Sort and return information resources after use to correct locations according to library procedures. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner will be competent in:
  • Communication at NQF level 3 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 3 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Search for information records in the library catalogue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic elements of description in a catalogue record are explained according to organisational information. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Elements include, but are not limited to:
  • Author's name, title of item, publisher, edition, date of publication, classification number and subject heading.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An understanding of search elements is demonstrated by retrieving a record of requested items from the catalogue according to organisational processes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Search elements includes, but is not limited to:
  • Name of author, title of item, Subject and classification number.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Physical formats of library information resources are described and their basic differences explained using examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Formats include, but are not limited to:
  • Printed books, printed journals, journal articles, multimedia materials, electronic journals and electronic books.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The elements of the catalogue record that match the details of the item requested are confirmed according to organisational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Details include, but are not limited to:
  • Format of information resource, author's name, title of item, subject heading, classification number, publisher or supplier, edition and date.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply knowledge of the separate sections by which the library is organised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Physical locations which are used to house different sections of the library collection are described according to library layout and usage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Locations include, but are not limited to:
  • Reference shelves, closed access shelves, short loan shelves, open access shelves, large format locations, large print locations, multimedia collection locations, children's area, youth shelves, current journal display areas, journal stacks, files for reports, pamphlets, project materials, locations for maps and posters.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The physical organisation of the library is described in relation to different types of library resources according to the library layout. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Separate sections:
  • Reference materials, non-circulating resources, very large format resources, fiction, non-fiction, music scores, children's material, youth materials, current journals, bound journal volumes, maps and posters, multimedia audio, video, CD, DVD, reports, pamphlets and project material.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Basic principles and an overview of practical features of library classification for shelf arrangement are explained according to library usage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Systems used for shelving:
  • Dewey Decimal Classification; Library of Congress Classification; Universal Decimal Classification and in-house customised library system.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The exact locations of items whose records are retrieved from the library catalogue are described with reference to the location and classification number given as part of the catalogue record. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Retrieve item from its physical location in response to request. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The physical location of the item whose record has been retrieved is accurately demonstrated according to library layout. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The item that is located and retrieved is accurately identified as the item requested, by checking it with reference to sufficient specific bibliographic details. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Details to be checked:
  • Name of author, title of item, edition and/or date of item, publisher or distributor of item, title of journal, date of journal, issue of journal, author and title of journal article within issue, title of media item, name of composer, name of film director, name of performer, name of film and name of musical composition.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Items are prepared for inter-library loan or similar purposes according to library procedures is photocopied or scanned accurately and completely according to library policy procedures for inter-library loan or similar purposes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures includes, but is not limited to:
  • Checking nearby working areas; checking the catalogue to ensure item is not already on loan; checking records of material sent to binding; checking records of items known to be missing; referral to another member of library staff for assistance in checking; initiating a search procedure and referral of the user to the Inter-Library Loans department to obtain the requested item elsewhere.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Respond according to library procedure and policy if the item is not available. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Library procedures and policies to be applied if the item requested is found not to be in the location are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Library procedures and policies to be applied if the item requested is found not to be in the location are accurately described and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Sort and return information resources after use to correct locations according to library procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Processes applied to items cleared from library working areas after use or checked in at the library circulation desk are accurately described and explained according to library policies and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Processes includes, but is not limited to:
  • Recording statistics of items cleared and re-shelved and re-sensitising items for security before re-shelving.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Items which show damage and should be repaired or items which need binding are accurately identified and described during the clearing process and separated for further processing according to library policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Knowledge of practical library classification and physical organisation by location is applied by demonstration of accurate identification, separation and placing in order of items before shelving, according to item markings and labels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Ability to re-shelve items accurately according to location and classification number is demonstrated physically according to organisational procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of the integrated competence described in this Unit Standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic bibliographic descriptive elements.
  • Classification schemes.
  • Library policies and procedures.
  • Library organisational structure.
  • Library layout.
  • Formats of information resources. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems associated with demonstrating an elementary knowledge of the way records of library information resources are retrieved from a library catalogue and physical items are retrieved from locations in the library, using responsible decision-making and creative thinking. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a work team to complete given tasks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively at the workplace. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using appropriate modes of oral and/or written persuasion in the workplace. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world, as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving in a variety of contexts. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50520   Further Education and Training Certificate: Library Practice  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Gender Education & Development Institute (GEDI 
    2. NTI College 
    3. Retshetse Training Project 
    4. Sebenzisanane Human Capital 
    5. South West Gauteng Tvet College 
    6. Sozim Trading and Consultancy 
    7. Tembe Service Providers 
    8. Universal Knowledge Software 
    9. Yellow Media Learning Institute (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.