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Quality Framework and Change Management

Massachusetts Library System, 2024 - Present

I led a significant organizational transition from informal training practices to a formal, accredited professional development program. Working with internal non-technical and technical teams, member subject matter experts, and external vendors, I used Kotter's 8-step change model to bring multiple stakeholder groups through this culture shift.

8
Kotter's Steps
5
Stakeholder Groups
4
QI Tools
IACET
Accreditation

The Challenge

The organization was moving from informal, unstructured training to a formal, accredited professional development program. This was a significant culture shift that required thoughtful change management and broad stakeholder engagement across internal staff, leadership, member subject matter experts, and external training vendors.

MLS Course Quality Rubric
6 standards, scored on a 3-point scale with action planning
1. Course Overview
2. Content & Activities
3. Learning
4. MLS Standards
5. Continuous Improvement
6. Resources
Meets Criteria (3) Partially Meets (2) Does Not Meet (1) Action Plan

The Approach: Kotter's 8-Step Model

1
Create Urgency

Positioned the change as the next evolution of training practice, grounded in member needs and IACET standards.

2
Build a Guiding Coalition

Brought together department colleagues, leadership, and training staff as collaborative partners.

3
Form a Strategic Vision

Defined quality-driven, learner-centered professional development as the shared goal.

4
Communicate the Vision

Designed layered communications for each stakeholder group, positioning this as a shared evolution.

5
Enable Action

Provided training, tools, and templates to support staff through the transition.

6
Generate Quick Wins

Launched initial quality reviews and shared early improvements with stakeholders.

7
Sustain Momentum

Built quality review into ongoing operations through continuous improvement cycles.

8
Institute Change

Anchored the new culture in IACET accreditation and embedded quality standards in daily practice.

Stakeholder Engagement

Five stakeholder groups each played a distinct role in the transition:

Department Colleagues

Co-drafted communications and built buy-in before wider rollout.

Leadership

Presented checkpoints for review and approval at key milestones.

Internal Training Staff

Honored their expertise and positioned the quality framework as an evolution of their work.

External Vendors

Aligned on new standards through updated contracts and onboarding.

Members

Communicated improved outcomes and the value of accredited training.

QI Tool Suite

Course Quality Rubric
ILT Quality Rubric
Continuous Improvement Review
External Presenter Standards

Results

Interested in this kind of work?

I am happy to talk about learning leadership, instructional design, accreditation, and applied research. Reach out by email or LinkedIn.

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