Leading Change for Information Professionals module (RM50044)

Change is something we all experience in our working lives. This can sometimes be welcome, and can sometimes be challenging. We can be the instigators of change or have change thrust upon us. 

As information professionals, you will see major changes all around you. This can involve shifts in: 

• wider working cultures 
• technology 
• customer expectation 
• governance 
• resourcing 

Our roles give us exceptional opportunities to influence and improve change outcomes. 

Understanding your personal leadership strengths is useful to your working life. As is a knowledge of tools that support change. These can be of use whatever your level of organisational responsibility. They can help in areas such as: 

• improving budgeting 
• project management 
• team working 

By becoming a more effective leader of change you can help your profession and services develop strategically and creatively. This will allow them to respond to challenging circumstances. 

This module will cover how we respond as individuals and as leaders. It also introduces techniques and examples rooted in practical experience relevant to our sector. 

What will you learn 

In this module you will: 

• explore change leadership for information professionals. This will be done through an exploration of theory, practical tools, and examples from the sector 
• gain an in-depth knowledge about how to identify routes through change 
• understand the importance of effective planning and communication with stakeholders 
• gain practical understanding of how to define desired change, how to manage risk and how to design evaluation 
• be able to differentiate between outputs and outcomes. You will learn to ensure the change you implement is appropriate and effective 

By the end of the module, you will be able to: 

• understand phases of leading change and how to apply them effectively 
• appreciate the range of relevant advice, guidance and tools available within the recordkeeping sector and beyond 
• understand budgeting, fundraising and people-management 
• have the knowledge and confidence to lead change effectively within your own professional context 

Assignments / assessment 

Coursework (100%) consisting of: 

• essay (30%) 
• report (30%) 
• assessed tasks (30%) 
• discussion board participation (10%) 

This module does not have a final exam

Teaching methods

• independent study 
• contact through discussion forum, email and video conferencing or other modes of contact