What is Content Curation in L&D?

Content curation in Learning & Development is the strategic process of gathering, evaluating, organizing, and sharing the most relevant learning resources for your organization’s specific training needs. Rather than creating all content from scratch, effective curation identifies high-quality existing materials and thoughtfully integrates them into your learning programs.

The CURATED Model: A Framework for Effective Content Curation

My CURATED model provides a systematic approach to content curation that ensures quality and relevance. This model serves as the foundation for the toolkit that follows:

C – Conceptualize

• Clearly define what you’re looking for and why it matters
• Establish the purpose of your curation effort
• Identify specific learning needs and objectives

U – Uncover

• Search for content from diverse and relevant sources
• Cast a wide net to find potential resources
• Apply a lens of curiosity during content discovery

R – Research

• Evaluate the quality and credibility of potential content
• Read/watch/listen completely, not just skimming
• Consider the authority of the sources

A – Assemble

• Organize selected content in meaningful ways
• Create logical connections between resources
• Build a structure that supports your learning goals

T – Transform

• Add context and insights to make content more relevant
• Personalize to your audience’s specific needs
• Connect abstract concepts to practical applications

E – Elevate

• Share content with appropriate audiences
• Make resources easily discoverable
• Present content in a way that engages learners

D – Discuss

• Encourage dialogue around the content
• Create opportunities for questions and insights
• Facilitate communities of practice around topics

This model provides a structured workflow for content curation that ensures you’re not just collecting content but transforming it into valuable learning experiences that spark meaningful conversations.

Why Content Curation Matters

• Resource Efficiency: Developing original content is expensive and time-consuming. Curation allows you to leverage existing high-quality materials while focusing internal resources on creating only what’s truly unique to your organization.
• Information Overload Management: Employees face overwhelming amounts of information. Curation filters out the noise and delivers precisely what learners need to know.
• Rapid Response to Changes: In fast-evolving industries, curation enables quick deployment of up-to-date knowledge without lengthy development cycles.
• Diverse Learning Experiences: Curated content naturally incorporates multiple perspectives, formats, and teaching approaches, enhancing the learning experience.
• Just-in-Time Learning: Effectively organized curated content enables employees to access specific knowledge exactly when they need it.

The Content Curator’s Role

As an L&D content curator, you serve as:

• A Trusted Filter who ensures only quality, relevant content reaches learners
• A Strategic Connector who links learning resources to specific business goals
• A Context Provider who helps learners understand why content matters to their work
• A Learning Pathway Designer who sequences content for optimal development

Signs of Successful Content Curation

• Learners spend less time searching for information and more time applying it
• Training programs stay current with industry developments
• Learning engagement increases as content relevance improves
• Training costs decrease while effectiveness increases
• Knowledge sharing becomes embedded in organizational culture

This toolkit provides a systematic approach to content curation, helping you build high-impact learning experiences through thoughtful selection and organization of learning resources.

Contents

1. Quick Evaluation Tool
2. Comprehensive Toolkit
3. Practical Implementation Guide
4. Common Pitfalls
5. Content Types Reference
6. Example Evaluation

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Quick L&D Content Evaluation Tool

Content Details

Title: _________________________________ Source: _________________________________

Format: _________________________________ Time Required: _________________________

Core Evaluation Areas

Rate each area on a scale of 1-4 (1=Poor, 4=Excellent)

Evaluation Area	Rating (1-4)	Key Considerations
Content Quality		• Accuracy & currency • Relevance to learning objectives • Appropriate depth for audience
Learner Experience		• Engagement level • Appropriate difficulty • Time efficiency
Practical Value		• Direct job application • Addresses skill gaps • Solves actual problems
Organizational Fit		• Aligns with business goals • Compatible with systems • Cultural alignment

OVERALL SCORE: _____ / 16

Decision Guide

Score	Decision
13-16	✓ Use immediately – High-quality content
9-12	⚠️ Consider with caution – May need supplements
5-8	⚠️ Use only if necessary – Significant gaps exist
1-4	✗ Reject – Not suitable for needs

Quick Notes

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Rapid Assessment Questions

If pressed for time, answer these five critical questions:

1. Does this content directly support our specific learning objectives?
   □ Yes, completely □ Mostly □ Partially □ No
2. Is the information accurate, up-to-date, and from a credible source?
   □ Yes, completely □ Mostly □ Partially □ No
3. Will our learners be able to immediately apply this to their work?
   □ Yes, completely □ Mostly □ Partially □ No
4. Is the time investment proportional to the learning value?
   □ Yes, completely □ Mostly □ Partially □ No
5. Does this content fit our technical environment and culture?
   □ Yes, completely □ Mostly □ Partially □ No

If you answered “Yes, completely” or “Mostly” to at least 4 questions, this content is likely worth including.

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L&D Content Curation Toolkit for Beginners

Introduction

This toolkit will help you systematically evaluate and select high-quality learning content for your corporate training programs. Use this as a step-by-step guide to make confident content curation decisions.

Before You Begin: Content Evaluation Checklist

• Clearly defined learning objectives identified
• Target audience and their needs analyzed
• Existing content gaps documented
• Key stakeholders consulted
• Available delivery platforms identified

Comprehensive Content Evaluation Rubric

Instructions:

1. Rate each content piece on all criteria using the 1-4 scale
2. Calculate section averages and overall score
3. Use the decision framework to determine next steps
4. Document your reasoning in the notes section

Content Quality Assessment

Criteria	1 (Poor)	2 (Fair)	3 (Good)	4 (Excellent)	Score
Accuracy	Contains significant factual errors or outdated information	Contains minor inaccuracies or somewhat outdated information	Information is generally accurate with minimal issues	Information is fully accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched
Relevance to Learning Objectives	Content has little connection to defined learning objectives	Content partially addresses learning objectives but with significant gaps	Content addresses most learning objectives effectively	Content perfectly aligns with and fully supports learning objectives
Depth & Comprehensiveness	Superficial coverage of topic; lacks necessary detail	Basic coverage with some detail but missing important elements	Comprehensive coverage with appropriate depth for audience	Exceptional depth that builds thorough understanding while remaining accessible
Clarity & Organization	Disorganized, confusing, hard to follow	Somewhat organized but with inconsistent structure	Well-organized with logical flow and clear structure	Exceptionally well-structured with perfect progression of concepts
				Section Average:

Learner Experience

Criteria	1 (Poor)	2 (Fair)	3 (Good)	4 (Excellent)	Score
Engagement Factor	Dry, passive, likely to bore learners	Somewhat engaging but relies heavily on passive learning	Engaging with good balance of passive and active elements	Highly engaging with excellent interactive elements and relevant examples
Accessibility	Not accessible to diverse learners; significant barriers exist	Limited accessibility features; some barriers remain	Accessible to most learners with few barriers	Fully accessible with options for different learning styles and needs
Appropriate Difficulty Level	Too advanced or too basic for target audience	Somewhat mismatched to audience skill level	Appropriate challenge level for most target learners	Perfect difficulty progression that challenges but doesn’t overwhelm
Time Efficiency	Length/time requirement is inappropriate for the content value	Length is somewhat excessive or insufficient	Time required is appropriate for the learning value	Optimally time-efficient with no wasted content
				Section Average:

Technical & Practical Considerations

Criteria	1 (Poor)	2 (Fair)	3 (Good)	4 (Excellent)	Score
Format Suitability	Format does not support the learning objectives	Format somewhat supports objectives but not optimal	Format effectively supports learning objectives	Format perfectly enhances learning and retention
Technical Quality	Poor production quality; technical issues interfere with learning	Acceptable quality with minor technical issues	Good technical quality with no significant issues	Excellent production value that enhances the learning experience
Integration Potential	Difficult to integrate with existing learning systems/programs	Can be integrated with significant modification	Integrates well with minimal adaptation needed	Seamlessly integrates with existing systems and complements other content
Reusability/Adaptability	Single-use content with limited application	Somewhat reusable with significant adaptation needed	Reusable across multiple contexts with minor adaptation	Highly adaptable and reusable across various learning contexts
				Section Average:

Business Impact & Strategic Alignment

Criteria	1 (Poor)	2 (Fair)	3 (Good)	4 (Excellent)	Score
Alignment with Business Goals	Minimal connection to organizational priorities	Somewhat aligned with business goals	Well-aligned with key organizational objectives	Perfectly supports critical business priorities and strategic direction
ROI Potential	High cost/effort for minimal learning benefit	Moderate cost/effort with reasonable learning benefit	Good value with strong learning outcomes for investment	Exceptional value with significant learning impact for minimal investment
Relevance to Job Performance	Limited practical application to actual work	Some practical applications but primarily theoretical	Strong practical application to employees’ actual work	Perfect balance of theory and immediate practical workplace application
Cultural Fit	Content conflicts with organizational values or culture	Content is neutral but doesn’t reinforce culture	Content aligns well with organizational culture	Content actively reinforces and strengthens desired organizational culture
				Section Average:

Overall Evaluation

Total Score Average: _______ (Sum of section averages ÷ 4)

Decision Framework

Overall Score Average	Recommendation
3.5 – 4.0	Priority Content: Implement immediately; feature prominently
3.0 – 3.4	Strong Content: Implement with standard priority
2.5 – 2.9	Acceptable Content: Consider if filling specific gaps; may need enhancement
2.0 – 2.4	Borderline Content: Use only if no alternatives exist; plan for replacement
Below 2.0	Rejected Content: Do not use; seek alternatives

Decision & Notes

Decision:
□ Accept as-is □ Accept with modifications □ Reject

Rationale & Required Modifications:

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Practical Implementation Guide for Beginners

Applying the CURATED Model in Practice

This section provides practical steps for implementing each stage of Mike Taylor’s CURATED model in your L&D content curation workflow.

C – Conceptualize

Key Activities:

• Define clear learning objectives and outcomes you want to achieve
• Identify specific knowledge or skill gaps to address
• Understand your audience’s needs, context, and preferences
• Establish criteria for what “good” content looks like for this purpose
• Create a content strategy that aligns with business goals

Tools to Consider: Mind mapping software, strategic planning templates, audience personas

Pro Tip: Be as specific as possible about your curation purpose. “Leadership content for new managers facing remote team challenges” is better than just “leadership content.”

U – Uncover

Key Activities:

• Set up automated content discovery systems (RSS feeds, email alerts, social listening)
• Identify authoritative sources in your field (industry publications, thought leaders, research institutions)
• Create a simple intake process for employee-recommended content
• Follow relevant hashtags and discussions on social platforms
• Attend webinars and virtual events to discover cutting-edge content

Tools to Consider: Feedly, Inoreader, Anders Pink, , Pocket

Pro Tip: Diversify your sources to avoid echo chambers – seek contrasting viewpoints and approaches to provide learners with balanced perspectives.

R – Research

Key Activities:

• Develop a quick-scan process to evaluate content potential
• Read/watch/listen to promising content completely (not just skimming)
• Investigate the author’s credentials and potential biases
• Check publication dates and ensure information is current
• Verify factual claims and research citations where appropriate
• Consider how well the content aligns with your learning objectives

Tools to Consider: Evernote, Notion, Microsoft OneNote for taking evaluation notes

Pro Tip: Create a simple research checklist with your essential quality criteria to ensure consistency in your evaluation process.

A – Assemble

Key Activities:

• Group related content into meaningful collections
• Create clear learning pathways from basic to advanced content
• Establish relationships between complementary resources
• Organize by problem/solution rather than just by topic
• Consider both sequential learning and just-in-time resource access
• Remove redundancies and select the best examples

Tools to Consider: Notion, SharePoint, Learn Amp, LMS systems

Pro Tip: Test your organizational structure with actual users to ensure it matches their mental models and workflow needs.

T – Transform

Key Activities:

• Add context explaining why the content matters to your specific audience
• Connect abstract concepts to real workplace applications
• Create summaries of key points for quick reference
• Develop reflection questions that prompt deeper thinking
• Design application exercises that build on the content
• Personalize content to different roles or experience levels

Tools to Consider: Content authoring tools, video annotation tools, collaborative document editors

Pro Tip: Focus on answering the “so what?” question – help learners understand exactly how this content solves their problems.

E – Elevate

Key Activities:

• Package content for maximum engagement and accessibility
• Create attention-grabbing headlines and descriptions
• Design visually appealing layouts and navigation
• Ensure mobile-friendly access to all content
• Make resources easily searchable and discoverable
• Distribute through channels your learners already use

Tools to Consider: Learning platforms, SharePoint, Slack, email newsletters, content management systems

Pro Tip: Pay attention to how you introduce curated content – first impressions determine whether learners will engage or ignore.

D – Discuss

Key Activities:

• Create discussion prompts related to the content
• Establish forums or channels for content-related conversations
• Facilitate live discussion sessions around important topics
• Encourage learners to share their applications and insights
• Connect content consumers with subject matter experts
• Use discussions to identify knowledge gaps for future curation

Tools to Consider: Slack, Microsoft Teams, discussion forums, virtual meeting platforms

Pro Tip: Active facilitation is crucial – assign moderators to keep discussions on track and ensure questions get answered.

Step 1: Prepare for Content Curation

• Apply the “Conceptualize” stage of the CURATED model to define your purpose
• Define clear learning objectives using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
• Create learner personas that represent your target audience segments
• Map your content needs by identifying skill/knowledge gaps

Step 2: Source Potential Content

Internal Sources:

• Existing training materials
• Subject matter expert knowledge
• Internal documentation and procedures
• Recorded presentations or meetings

External Sources:

• Industry publications and blogs
• Professional association resources
• Online learning platforms (LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, etc.)
• Open educational resources
• Webinars and conference recordings

Step 3: Evaluate Content Using the Rubric

• Use the Quick Evaluation Tool for initial screening of multiple resources
• Apply the Comprehensive Rubric for final selection decisions
• Document your reasoning for future reference

Step 4: Organize Selected Content

• Use the “Assemble” and “Transform” elements of the CURATED model to create meaningful content structures
• Create a consistent tagging system (topic, difficulty level, format, etc.)
• Develop a content library structure that makes resources easy to find
• Document the metadata for each content piece

Step 5: Integrate and Implement

• Apply the “Elevate” stage of the CURATED model to share content effectively
• Align content with learning pathways or curricula
• Create contextual introductions to help learners understand relevance
• Test with a small group before full deployment

Step 6: Facilitate Discussions and Gather Feedback

• Implement the “Discuss” stage of the CURATED model
• Create opportunities for dialogue around curated content
• Schedule regular content reviews based on usage and feedback
• Collect learner insights on content effectiveness
• Stay current with industry changes that might impact content accuracy

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Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall	Prevention Strategy
Selecting content based solely on popularity	Focus on alignment with specific learning objectives and audience needs
Accumulating too much content	Be selective and prioritize quality over quantity
Ignoring format diversity	Include multiple formats to accommodate different learning preferences
Skipping regular content reviews	Schedule calendar reminders for periodic content audits
Failing to consider integration complexity	Evaluate technical requirements and compatibility before selection
Not securing proper usage rights	Verify licensing and copyright permissions for all external content

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Quick Reference: Content Types and Their Best Uses

Content Type	Best For	Considerations
Articles/Blog Posts	Quick knowledge updates, introducing concepts	Check for credibility, currency, and bias
Videos	Demonstrating processes, engaging explanations	Consider length, production quality, and accessibility needs
Interactive Modules	Complex skills that require practice	Ensure compatibility with your platforms
Infographics	Summarizing data, explaining relationships	Verify accuracy of visualizations
Case Studies	Applying knowledge to realistic situations	Ensure relevance to your industry context
Podcasts	On-the-go learning, expert insights	Consider audio quality and transcript availability
Simulations	Safe practice of high-risk activities	Balance complexity with usability

Recommended Tools for L&D Content Curation

Selecting the right tools can dramatically improve your content curation efficiency and effectiveness. This section highlights recommended tools organized by function in the content curation workflow.

Content Discovery Tools

Finding the gold nuggets in the digital river

These tools help you detect valuable content from across the internet without drowning in information. They automatically filter the noise and surface relevant learning materials so you don’t have to manually scour countless websites daily.

Tool	Best For	Key Features	Pricing Model
Feedly	Article and blog curation	• AI-powered content filtering • Integrations with 3rd party tools • Team collaboration	Freemium
Anders Pink	Industry-specific content curation	• Automatic content briefings • LMS integration • Custom topics and sources	Subscription
Pocket	Personal content collection	• Save content across devices • Tagging system • Offline reading	Freemium
Curata	Enterprise content curation	• AI content recommendations • Performance analytics • Custom branding	Enterprise pricing
Inoreader	Article and blog curation	• AI-powered content filtering • Integrations with 3rd party tools • Team collaboration	Freemium

Content Organization & Management

Turning content chaos into structured sense

These tools transform your growing collection of learning resources into an organized system where everything has its place. They provide the digital equivalent of library shelves, filing cabinets, and index cards – but with powerful search, tagging, and retrieval capabilities.

Tool	Best For	Key Features	Pricing Model
Evernote/OneNote	Note-taking and content clipping	• Content tagging • Cross-platform synchronization • Web clipper	Freemium
Trello	Visual content organization	• Kanban-style boards • Collaborative workflows • Custom labels	Freemium (Business: $10/user/mo)
Notion	Unified content workspace	• Wiki-style organization • Templates • Flexible content blocks	Freemium (Team: $8/user/mo)
Google Drive	Document storage and collaboration	• Real-time collaboration • Version history • Integration with other tools	Freemium (Business: $12/user/mo)
Airtable	Database-style content management	• Custom views • Rich field types • Automation capabilities	Freemium (Team: $10/user/mo)

Content Delivery Platforms

Getting the right content to the right people at the right time

These platforms serve as the distribution channels between your curated content and your learners. They create accessible, engaging interfaces that make it easy for employees to discover and consume relevant learning materials when and where they need them.

Tool	Best For	Key Features	Pricing Model
Microsoft SharePoint	Enterprise content portal	• Deep Microsoft integration • Advanced permissions • Customizable sites	Part of Microsoft 365
Padlet	Visual content collections	• Multimedia support • Easy sharing • Collaborative boards	Freemium (Pro: $8/mo)
Slack	Real-time content sharing	• Channel organization • App integrations • Searchable history	Freemium (Pro: $6.67/user/mo)
Wakelet	Curated collections	• Collaborative collections • Multiple content types • Embed on other sites	Free

Learning Management Systems with Curation Features

Teaching machines to help humans learn better

These systems go beyond traditional course delivery to incorporate intelligent content curation. They combine formal training with just-in-time learning resources, often using AI to recommend relevant content based on learner behavior, roles, and skill gaps.

Tool	Best For	Key Features	Pricing Model
Docebo	AI-powered content recommendations	• Content marketplace • Learning paths • Skill gap analysis	Enterprise pricing
Learn Amp	All-in-one learning platform	• Knowledge sharing • User-generated content • Social learning	Subscription ($10/user/mo+)
360Learning	Collaborative learning	• Peer contributions • Discussion-based learning • Course co-creation	Subscription ($8/user/mo+)
Fuse	Knowledge-sharing platform	• Universal search<br>• Knowledge communities • Performance support	Enterprise pricing
EdCast	Learning experience platform	• Content aggregation • Personalized recommendations • Integration ecosystem	Enterprise pricing

Analytics and Measurement Tools

From gut feeling to data-driven decisions

These tools help you understand what’s working and what isn’t in your content curation efforts. They turn user interactions into actionable insights, allowing you to continuously refine your content selection based on actual engagement and impact rather than assumptions.

Tool	Best For	Key Features	Pricing Model
Google Analytics	Web traffic analysis	• User behavior tracking • Content performance • Custom dashboards	Free (Premium available)
Power BI	Data visualization	• Interactive dashboards • Multiple data sources • Shareable reports	Freemium
Tableau	Advanced data analysis	• Powerful visualizations • Data integration • Predictive analytics	Subscription

Integration & Automation Tools

Making your digital tools play nicely together

These tools act as the connective tissue between your various curation platforms. They automate repetitive tasks, synchronize information across systems, and create seamless workflows that let you focus on value-adding curation activities instead of manual data entry and transfers.

Tool	Best For	Key Features	Pricing Model
Zapier	Workflow automation	• 3,000+ app integrations • Multi-step zaps • Custom logic	Freemium
IFTTT	Simple integrations	• Easy setup • Mobile app • Wide range of services	Freemium
Microsoft Power Automate	Enterprise automation	• Microsoft ecosystem integration • Complex workflows • AI capabilities	Freemium
Make (formerly Integromat)	Visual workflow builder	• Complex scenarios • Data mapping • Error handling	Freemium

Tool Selection Guidelines

When selecting tools for your content curation workflow:

1. Start small: Begin with 1-2 tools that address your most significant pain points
2. Consider integration: Choose tools that work well with your existing systems
3. Evaluate usability: Tools should be intuitive for the majority of your team
4. Look for scalability: Select solutions that can grow with your curation efforts
5. Test before committing: Take advantage of free trials and freemium plans
6. Balance features vs. complexity: More features often mean steeper learning curves

Remember that the best tool is the one your team will actually use consistently. A simpler tool that becomes part of your regular workflow is more valuable than a feature-rich platform that creates friction.

Need Additional Help?

Recommended Resources for L&D Content Curators:

• ATD (Association for Talent Development): www.td.org
• Learning Solutions Magazine: learningsolutionsmag.com
• eLearning Industry: elearningindustry.com

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Content Evaluation Worksheet (Example)

Content Title: Introduction to Project Management Source: LinkedIn Learning
Format: Video Course (2.5 hours) Intended Audience: New Project Managers

Content Quality Assessment

• Accuracy: 4 – Created by certified PMP with updated PMBOK references
• Relevance: 3 – Covers 80% of our defined learning objectives
• Depth: 3 – Good coverage but light on agile methodologies
• Clarity: 4 – Exceptionally well-organized with clear module progression
• Section Average: 3.5

Learner Experience

• Engagement: 3 – Good balance of instruction and examples
• Accessibility: 3 – Closed captions available, but no translations
• Difficulty Level: 4 – Perfect for our entry-level PMs
• Time Efficiency: 2 – Some modules could be more concise
• Section Average: 3.0

Technical & Practical Considerations

• Format Suitability: 3 – Video works well but could use more interactive elements
• Technical Quality: 4 – Professional production quality
• Integration: 3 – Easily embedded in our LMS
• Reusability: 3 – Can be used across departments with minor contextualization
• Section Average: 3.25

Business Impact & Strategic Alignment

• Business Goals: 4 – Directly supports our project excellence initiative
• ROI Potential: 3 – Good value for subscription cost
• Job Relevance: 4 – Highly applicable to daily PM responsibilities
• Cultural Fit: 3 – Aligns with our collaborative approach
• Section Average: 3.5

Overall Evaluation

Total Score Average: 3.31 (Strong Content)

Decision & Notes

Decision: ✓ Accept with modifications

Rationale & Required Modifications: Strong overall content with excellent quality. Supplement with additional materials on agile methodologies to address the gap. Consider creating a shorter “essentials” version for time-pressed learners.

CURATED Model Application:

• Conceptualize: Identified need for foundational PM training for entry-level project managers
• Uncover: Found via LinkedIn Learning search and industry recommendations
• Research: Thoroughly reviewed all modules, exercises, and credentials of instructor
• Assemble: Will place in “Project Management Fundamentals” collection as primary resource
• Transform: Added organization-specific context and supplementary agile materials
• Elevate: Packaged with custom introduction and navigation guide
• Discuss: Created Teams channel for learner questions and implementation examples

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How to Use This Toolkit Effectively

1. Begin with the CURATED model as your foundation:
   • Use it to establish a systematic curation workflow
   • Follow the sequence from Conceptualize through Discuss
   • Adjust the process to fit your specific organizational context
2. Select the right evaluation tools based on your needs:
   • For large curation projects, start with the comprehensive checklist
   • For everyday evaluation needs, use the quick evaluation tool
   • For rapid decisions, apply the five critical questions
3. Customize for your organization:
   • Adjust criteria weights based on your organizational priorities
   • Add company-specific criteria to reflect unique needs
   • Define minimum thresholds appropriate to your content availability
4. Establish a consistent process:
   • Train all content curators to use the same evaluation standards
   • Document decisions to build institutional knowledge
   • Create templates for different content types
5. Focus on continuous improvement:
   • Collect learner feedback on curated content effectiveness
   • Review and refine your evaluation criteria periodically
   • Share curation successes and challenges with your L&D team