Occupational Standards For A Library and Information Science Technician Level 6
Occupational Standards For A Library and Information Science Technician Level 6
FOR
LEVEL 6
TVET CDACC
P.O BOX 15745-00100
NAIROBI
First published 2019
Council Secretary/CEO
TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council
P.O. Box 15745–00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Reforms in the education sector are necessary for the achievement of Kenya Vision
2030 and meeting the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The education
sector had to be aligned to the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and this resulted to the
formulation of the Policy Framework for Reforming Education and Training
(Sessional Paper No. 4 of 2016). A key feature of this policy is the radical change in
the design and delivery of the TVET training. This policy document requires that
training in TVET be competency based, curriculum development be industry led,
certification be based on demonstration of competence and mode of delivery allows
for multiple entry and exit in TVET programmes.
These reforms demand that Industry takes a leading role in curriculum development to
ensure the curriculum addresses its competence needs. It is against this background
that these Occupational Standards were developed for developing a competency-
based curriculum for library and information science technician. These Occupational
Standards will also be the bases for assessment of an individual for competence
certification.
It is my conviction that these Occupational Standards will play a great role towards
development of competent human resource for the library and information science
sector’s growth and development.
Kenya Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into a newly industrializing,
“middle-income country providing a high-quality life to all its citizens by the year
2030”. Kenya intends to create a globally competitive and adaptive human resource
base to meet the requirements of a rapidly industrializing economy through life-long
education and training. TVET has a responsibility of facilitating the process of
inculcating knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for catapulting the nation to a
globally competitive country, hence the paradigm shift to embrace Competency Based
Education and Training (CBET).
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act No. 29 of 2013 and
Sessional Paper No. 4 of 2016 on Reforming Education and Training in Kenya,
emphasized the need to reform curriculum development, assessment and certification.
This called for a shift to CBET to address the mismatch between skills acquired
through training and skills needed by industry as well as increase the global
competitiveness of Kenyan labour force.
The occupational standards are designed and organized with clear performance
criteria for each element of a unit of competency. These standards also outline the
required knowledge and skills as well as evidence guide.
I acknowledge all other institutions which in one way or another contributed to the
development of these Standards.
CHAIRMAN
LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE SECTOR SKILLS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
CU : Curriculum
BC : Basic Competency
CC : Core Competency
CO : Common Units
BUS : Business
OS : Occupational Standards
BUS/OS/LIS/BC/01/6
Industry or sector
Occupational Standards
Occupational area
Type of competency
Competency number
Competency level
BASIC COMPETENCIES
Unit of Competency Code Unit of Competency Title
BUS/OS/LIS/BC/01/6 Demonstrate communication skills
BUS/OS/LIS/BC/02/6 Numeracy skills
BUS/OS/LIS/BC/03/6 Demonstrate digital literacy
BUS/OS/LIS/BC/04/6 Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills
BUS/OS/LIS/BC/05/6 Demonstrate employability skills
BUS/OS/LIS/BC/06/6 Demonstrate environmental literacy
BUS/OS/LIS/BC/07/6 Demonstrate occupational safety and health practices
COMMON COMPETENCIES
Unit of Competency Code Unit of Competency Title
BUS/OS/LIS/CC/01/6 Demonstrate understanding of publishing and book trade
CORE COMPETENCIES
Unit of Competency Code Unit of Competency Title
BUS/OS/LIS/CR/01/6 Perform cataloguing activities
BUS/OS/LIS/CR/02/6 Maintain industry knowledge
BUS/OS/LIS/CR/03/6 Search library and information databases
BUS/OS/LIS/CR/04/6 Analyze information resources
BUS/OS/LIS/CR/05/6 Provide subject access
BUS/OS/LIS/CR/06/6 Monitor compliance with copyright and license
requirements
BUS/OS/LIS/CR/07/6 Use integrated library management systems (ILMS)
BUS/OS/LIS/CR/08/6 Manage Records
BUS/OS/LIS/CR/09/6 Conserve and preserve library materials
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required in meeting communication needs of
clients and colleagues; developing, establishing, maintaining communication
pathways and strategies. It also covers competencies for conducting interviews,
facilitating group discussion and representing the organization in various forums.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
ELEMENT
These are assessable statements which specify the
These describe the key outcomes
required level of performance for each of the elements.
which make the workplace function.
Bold and italicized terms are elaborated in the Range
1. Meet communication needs of 1.1 Specific communication needs of clients and
clients and colleagues. colleagues are identified and met.
1.2 Different approaches are used to meet communication
needs of clients and colleagues.
1.3 Conflict is addressed promptly and in a timely way
and in a manner which does not compromise the
standing of the organization.
2. Develop communication 2.1 Strategies for effective internal and external
strategies. dissemination of information are developed to meet
the organization’s requirements.
2.2 Special communication needs are considered in
developing strategies to avoid discrimination in the
workplace.
2.3 Communication strategies are analyzed, evaluated and
revised where necessary to make sure they are
effective.
3. Establish and maintain 3.1 Pathways of communication are established to meet
communication pathways. requirements of organization and workforce.
3.2 Pathways are maintained and reviewed to ensure
personnel are informed of relevant information.
4. Promote use of communication 4.1 Information is provided to all areas of the organization
strategies. to facilitate implementation of the strategy.
4.2 Effective communication techniques are articulated
and modelled to the workforce.
4.3 Personnel are given guidance about adapting
communication strategies to suit a range of contexts.
RANGE
This section provides work environment and conditions to which the performance
Criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Communication strategies Language switch.
includes but not limited to: Comprehension check.
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Effective communication.
Active listening.
Giving/receiving feedback.
Interpretation of information.
Role boundaries setting.
Negotiation.
Establishing empathy.
Openness and flexibility in communication.
Communication skills required to fulfil job roles as specified by the
organization.
Writing communications strategy.
Applying key elements of communications strategy.
Required Knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
Communication process.
Dynamics of groups and different styles of group leadership.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit describes the competencies required by a worker in order to apply a wide
range of mathematical calculations for work; apply ratios, rates and proportions to
solve problems; estimate, measure and calculate measurement for work; Use detailed
maps to plan travel routes for work; Use geometry to draw and construct 2D and 3D
shapes for work; Collect, organize and interpret statistical data; Use routine formula
and algebraic expressions for work and use common functions of a scientific
calculator
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Applying Fundamental operations (addition, subtraction, division,
multiplication)
Using calculator
Using different measuring tools
Required knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
Types of common shapes
Differentiation between two dimensional shapes / objects
Formulae for calculating area and volume
Types and purpose of measuring instruments
Units of measurement and abbreviations
Fundamental operations (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication)
Rounding techniques
Types of fractions
Different types of tables and graphs
Meaning of graphs, such as increasing, decreasing, and constant value
Preparation of basic data, tables
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
1 Critical aspects of Assessment requires evidence that the candidate:
Competency 1.5 Performed Calculation involving positive and negative numbers
1.2 Used numbers expressed as powers and roots in calculations
1.3. Simplified rates and ratios
1.4 Constructed graphs, charts and tables to represent ratios, rates and
proportions
1.6 Calculated volume of 3D shapes using relevant formulas
1.7 Calculated sides of right-angle triangles using Pythagoras’ theorem
1.8 Applied scales in calculation of actual distances
Variable Range
Appropriate computer A collection of instructions or computer tools that enable the user
software includes but not to interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks.
limited to:
Word processing concepts Using a special program to create, edit and print documents.
includes but not limited to:
Required Knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
Functions of computer software and hardware.
Data security and privacy.
Computer security threats and control measures.
Technology underlying cyber-attacks and networks.
Cyber terrorism and computer crimes.
Detection and protection of computer crimes.
Laws governing protection of ICT.
Functions and concepts of word processing.
Documents and tables creation and manipulations.
Mail merging.
Word processing utilities.
Spread sheets;
Meaning, formulae, function and charts, uses and layout.
Data formulation, manipulation and application to cells.
Database;
Database design, data manipulation, sorting, indexing, storage retrieval and
security
Desktop publishing;
Designing and developing desktop publishing tools.
Manipulation of desktop publishing tools.
Enhancement of typeset work and printing documents.
Presentation Packages;
Types of presentation packages.
Creating, formulating, running, editing, printing and presenting slides and
handouts.
Networking and Internet;
Computer networking and internet.
Electronic mail and World Wide Web.
Emerging trends and issues in ICT;
Identify and integrate emerging trends and issues in ICT.
Challenges posed by emerging trends and issues.
UNIT DESCRPTION
This unit covers the outcomes required to build and develop the enterprise to be more
competitive within a changing business environment, specifically responding to
consumer demands while maintaining product quality and accessibility, building a
customer base and employee motivation.
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Assessing a range of alternative products and strategies.
Critically analyzing information, summarizing and making sense of previous
and current market trends.
Identifying changing consumer preferences and demographics.
Ensuring quality consistency.
Reducing lead time to product/service delivery.
Managing operations/ production.
Using formal problem-solving procedures, e. g., root-cause analysis, and six-
sigma.
Communication skills.
Applying motivational principles, e. g., positive stroking, and behavior
modification.
Assessing a range of alternatives rather than choosing the easiest option.
Achieving ownership and credibility for the enterprise vision.
Critically analyzing information, summarizing and making sense of previous
and current market trends.
Developing solutions and practical strategies.
UNIT DESCRIPTON
This unit covers competencies required to demonstrate employability skills. It
involves competencies for exuding self-awareness and dealing with everyday life
challenges; demonstrating critical safe work habits and leading a workplace team;
planning and organizing work activities; applying learning, creativity and
innovativeness in workplace functions; pursuing professional growth and managing
time effectively in the workplace.
RANGE
This section provides work environment and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Range Variable
May includes but not limited to:
Drug and substance Commonly abused
abuse includes but not Alcohol.
limited to: Tobacco.
Miraa.
Over-the-counter drugs.
Cocaine.
Bhang.
Glue.
Feedback includes but Verbal.
not limited to: Written.
Informal.
Formal.
Clients includes but not New clients.
limited to: Existing clients.
Internal clients.
External clients.
Relationships includes Man/Woman.
but not limited to:
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Personal hygiene practices.
Intra and Interpersonal skills.
Communication skills.
Knowledge management.
Interpersonal skills.
Critical thinking skills.
Observation skills.
Organizing skills.
Negotiation skills.
Monitoring skills.
Evaluation skills.
Record keeping skills.
Problem solving skills.
Decision making skills.
Resource utilization skills.
Resource mobilization skills.
Required Knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
Work values and ethics.
Company policies.
Company operations, procedures and standards.
Occupational Health and safety procedures.
Fundamental rights at work.
Personal hygiene practices.
Workplace communication.
Concept of time.
Time management.
Decision making.
Types of resources.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
1. 2. Critical aspects of Assessment requires evidence that the candidate:
Competency 1.1 Attained job targets within key result areas.
1.2 Maintained intra- and inter-personal relationship in the course of
managing oneself.
1.3 Completed trainings and career progression opportunities in time.
1.4 Was punctual and time conscious.
1.5 Acquired and maintained licenses and/or certifications required for the
job.
1.6 Planned and organized resources to achieve organization goals and
objectives.
1.7 Monitored and evaluated work activities.
1.8 Identified, analysed and solved problem arising in the course of
working.
1.9 Was conscious of health & safety while carrying out work functions.
1.10 Maintained a mentorship and coaching program for employees.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit specifies the competencies required to follow procedures for environmental
hazard control, follow procedures for environmental pollution control, comply with
workplace sustainable resource use, evaluate current practices in relation to resource
usage, develop and adhere to environmental protection
principles/strategies/guidelines, analyse resource use, develop resource conservation
plans and implement selected plans.
Variable Range
PPE includes but not limited to: Mask.
Gloves.
Goggles.
Safety hat.
Overall.
Hearing protector.
Environmental pollution Methods for minimizing or stopping spread and
Control measures includes but not ingestion of airborne particles.
limited to: Methods for minimizing or stopping spread and
ingestion of gases and fumes.
Methods for minimizing or stopping spread and
ingestion of liquid wastes.
Wastes includes but not limited to: Unnecessary waste.
Necessary waste.
Waste management Procedures Sorting.
includes but not limited to: Storing of items.
Recycling of items.
Disposal of items.
Resources includes but not limited Electric.
to: Water.
Fuel.
Telecommunications.
Supplies.
Materials.
Workplace environmental hazards Biological hazards.
includes but not limited to: Chemical and dust hazards.
Physical hazards.
Organizational systems and Supply chain, procurement and purchasing.
procedures includes but not limited Quality assurance.
to: Making recommendations and seeking approvals.
Legislations/Conventions includes EMCA 1999.
but not limited to: Montreal Protocol.
Kyoto Protocol.
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Following storage methods of environmentally hazardous materials.
Following disposal methods of hazardous wastes.
Practicing OSHS.
Complying with environmental pollution control.
Observing solid waste management.
Complying with methods of minimizing noise Pollution.
Complying with methods of minimizing wastage.
Economizing resource consumption.
Listing of resources used.
Measuring current usage of resources.
Identifying and reporting workplace environmental hazards.
Conveying all environmental issues.
Following environmental regulations.
Identifying environmental regulations.
Assessing procedures for assessing compliance.
Collecting information on environmental and resource efficiency systems and
procedures and providing information to the work group.
Measuring and recording current resource usage.
Analysing and recording current purchasing strategies.
Analysing current work processes to access information and data and assisting
identifying areas for improvement.
Analysing resource flow.
Determining efficiency of use/conversion of resources.
Determining causes of low efficiency of use.
Developing plans for increasing the efficiency of resource use.
Checking resource use plans.
Complying with regulations/licensing requirements.
Determining benefit/cost of plans.
Ranking proposals based on benefit/cost compared to limited resources.
Checking proposals meet regulatory requirements.
Monitoring implementation.
Checking new resource usage.
Required Knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
Storage methods of environmentally hazardous materials.
Disposal methods of hazardous wastes.
Usage of PPE Environmental regulations.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit specifies the competencies required to lead the implementation of workplace
safety and health program, procedures and policies/guidelines.
Required Skills
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Skills on preliminary identification of workplace hazards/risks
Knowledge management.
Critical thinking skills.
Observation skills.
Coordinating skills.
Communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Troubleshooting skills.
Presentation skills.
Training skills.
Required Knowledge
The individual needs to demonstrate knowledge of:
General OSH Principles.
Occupational hazards/risks recognition.
OSH organizations providing services on OSH evaluation and/or work
environment measurements (WEM).
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to demonstrate understanding of
publishing and book trade: Competencies includes: tracing the history of publishing
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Incudes but not limited to:
Departments in Editorial department
SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
Book promotion, marketing and distribution
Book binding techniques
Printing techniques
Printing material handling
ICT proficiency
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit specifies the competencies required to perform cataloguing activities.
Competencies includes; selecting cataloguing tools, searching and retrieving
bibliographic details, constructing bibliographic descriptions, recording bibliographic
details in card catalogues or database and editing bibliographic records.
RANGE
Variable Range
Stated limitations Period
includes but not limited Geographical area
to: Medium, language
Library holdings
Quality
Intended audience
Editing tools includes Constant data
but not limited to: Text strings
Authority Control
SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
ICT proficiency
Communication
Analysis
Synthesis and evaluation
Decision making
Management
Leadership
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
1. Critical Aspects of Assessment requires evidence that the candidate:
Competency 1.1 Assessed sources of cataloguing tools are as per
organization rules and guidelines
1.2 Selected cataloguing tools as per the organization
needs
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to maintain industry knowledge.
Competencies includes: undertaking industry research, sourcing and applying
information about trends, researching industry structures and operations,
disseminating research information and monitoring implementation of research
information.
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Industry developments Access to information
includes but not limited Retrieval and dissemination
to: Career development
Organization policy Ethics and Values in the Information Professions
include but not limited Collection development
to: Control of information
SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
ICT proficiency
Communication
Analysis
Synthesis and evaluation
Decision making
Management
Leadership
innovation
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to search library and information database.
Competencies include; identifying and access databases, giving access to library
information and conducting orientation on use of database.
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Information needs Questionnaires
includes but not limited Feedback
to:
User orientation Instruction room
includes but not limited Presentation equipment
to:
SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
ICT proficiency
Communication
Analysis
Synthesis and evaluation
Decision making
Management
Leadership
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to analyse information resources. It
includes: identifying description requirements, analysing the needed resources,
describing resources and format descriptions and reviewing description practices and
procedures
2. Analyze the needed 2.1 Data and information analysis tools are determined
resources per the resources to analyzed
2.2 Subject content of resources is analyzed to clearly
distinguish significant information from minor
references
2.3 General concepts and principles of description and
knowledge of relevant standards, authorities and
legislations is integrated as per organizational needs
2.4 Result on analysis of resources are examined in
context of the subject field
3. Describe resources 3.1 Descriptions are created as per the purpose and
and format intended use
descriptions 3.2 Format of descriptions are conformed to general
convention
3.3 Reference structure of descriptions is developed to
display relationships to assist customers
5. Plan and make 5.1 Planning and decision making are performed based
decision on analyzed on the organization goals
information 5.2 Planning and decision making are performed in line
with the organization policy
5.3 Decisions are made based on the outcome of the
analyzed information
5.4 Planning and decision making are performed
according to the available resources
5.5 Planning and decision making are performed based
on the customer requirements
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Significant information Availability
includes but not limited Currency of information
to: Format
Legislation includes but Guideline
not limited to: Procedures
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to provide subject access. Competencies
includes; cataloguing library material, classifying library material and maintaining
and developing catalogue practice.
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Subject Headings Library catalogues
includes but not limited
to:
Shelf list includes but List of books in the library in the order of their
not limited: location
SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
ICT proficiency
Communication
Analysis
Synthesis and evaluation
Decision making
Management
Leadership
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit specifies the competencies required to monitor compliance with copyright
and license requirement. It includes: ensuring compliance with copyright legislation,
monitoring licenses for digital rights management, assessing risks associated with
copyright, documenting the copyright risks and sensitizing users on copyright laws.
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Copyright laws Expanding technologies i.e. video tapes and
includes but not limited electronic databases
to: Information centers reprographic rights
SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
ICT proficiency
Communication
Analysis
Synthesis and evaluation
Decision making
Management
Leadership
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to manage library and information
management systems. Competencies include: Plan and manage automation process,
perform automation functions, perform software automation and perform computer
hardware services
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Modules includes but Acquisitions
not limited to: Cataloguing
Circulation
OPAC
Online Catalogues Worldcat
includes but not limited Library of Congress
to: OPAC
SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
ICT proficiency
Communication
Analysis
Synthesis and evaluation
Decision making
Management
Leadership
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit covers the competencies required to manage record: Competencies includes:
establishing regulatory and social environment, determining principal areas of risk
requiring recordkeeping strategy, determining record requirements for each business
function and establishing recordkeeping framework for organization.
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Organizational Circulation services
functions includes but Technical services
not limited to: Digital services
SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
ICT proficiency
Communication
Analysis
Synthesis and evaluation
Decision making
Management
Leadership
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
This unit covers the competencies required to conserve and preserve library materials.
Competencies include; Conserving information material, determining the nature of the
information, identifying deterioration of information material, preserving information
material, restoring information material, performing reprography of information
material, storing information material, applying ICT in conservation of information
material and recognizing emerging trends and issues in material conservation.
RANGE
This section provides work environments and conditions to which the performance
criteria apply. It allows for different work environment and situations that will affect
performance.
Variable Range
Includes but not limited to:
Tools and facilities Well ventilated storage facilities
used in conservation Pest control equipment
includes but not limited Fridge
to:
SKILLS
The individual needs to demonstrate the following skills:
ICT proficiency
Communication
Analytical
Reprography
Different information material storage
Synthesis and evaluation
Decision making
Management
Leadership
EVIDENCE GUIDE
This provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and range.