RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
HEALTHLINK WORLDWIDE
• what services they offer
• how many other users they are serving.
Also find out how often the software is updated. How much does it cost to
upgrade? Can existing databases be easily incorporated into the new upgrades?
Look out for help services that are accessible via e-mail and the Internet.
User groups Technical support contracts can be expensive, so it is good to keep
in touch with any user groups. Ask your software supplier, staff from related
organisations, and members of local networks for details of software support
groups.
Cost factors It is essential to consider the cost of:
• initial software purchase and upgrades
• vendor/consultant support
• training
• time required to become familiar with the software.
Make sure that you budget for adequate initial training and follow-up training in
more advanced features. Remember, the more complex the software, the more
time will be required for staff to become familiar with it. The familiarisation time
must be taken into consideration, as less time will be available for other tasks
during this period. Weigh up the cost of initial and follow-up training against the
workload of the resource centre staff, and the importance of providing up-to-
date information services.
SECTION 6: COMPUTERS, ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND DATABASES
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