Resource centre manual : how to set up and manage a resource centre

This manual contains practical information on all aspects of setting up and managing a resource centre, from planning, fundraising and finding a suitable location, to collecting and organizing materials, developing information services, and monitoring and evaluating the work of the resource centre. It assumes that most readers will use manual systems for organizing information, but also explains how computers can be used in resource centres, including e-mail, Internet and databases. It describes how to select database software, and contains a detailed review of three leading database programs. It includes a list of organizations and publications that can provide further information. Although some of the procedures described are more applicable to large resource centres much of the information also applies to smaller collections. The list of recommended reading in the Resources section includes publications that are relevant to different sizes of resource centre. The information in this manual is drawn from the experience of Healthlink Worldwide and its partners in developing resource centres specializing in primary health care and disability issues. Although it includes many references to the health sector, the same principles apply to resource centres specializing in other areas, such as education, environment or agriculture.