The following terms may be used to assist
in defining the level of knowledge required.

General Knowledge Knowledge of the types of information contained in source documents, or knowledge of the general types of information covered in a subject field.  General knowledge enables one to use a source to find specific information when it is needed.  For example, a general knowledge of the UCLA Staff Policies refers to the knowledge of the purpose of the rules, the general subjects which the rules cover, and how to reference the rules.

Working Knowledge Includes general knowledge plus knowledge of and ability to recall important and commonly used information from the source.  For example, a general working knowledge of the UCLA Staff Personnel Policies would include, as well as general knowledge, ability to recall major commonly used provisions of specific rules.  However, working knowledge does not imply a thorough detailed knowledge of the specific provisions of all the rules.

Detailed Knowledge Thorough knowledge of all information contained in the source.  Using the UCLA Staff Personnel Policies example again, an individual with detailed knowledge would be expected to know the provisions of all rules in detail without having to look them up, including provisions which are not frequently used.  (In practice few jobs actually require detailed knowledge, since reference documents are generally available.)