RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
HEALTHLINK WORLDWIDE
8.2 Promoting the resource centre
The people that the resource centre aims to serve will not automatically come
to it. The resource centre needs to be publicised and people need to be
encouraged to use it. Users need to be made aware of all the services available,
not just some. For example, some people may know that there is a lending
service, but not know that there is also a photocopying service.
Services may need to be improved before they are promoted. There is no point
in encouraging people to use the resource centre if it has very few materials, or
if staff are unavailable to assist users. It is important to be sure that the services
can be delivered before starting to promote them.
8.2.1 How to plan a promotion
To promote the resource centre:
1. List groups of users and identify those to whom you need to promote the
resource centre. For example, your resource centre may aim to serve the local
community, but very few women come, so you need to promote it to women.
2. Try to find out why certain groups of people are not using the resource centre.
Then decide what type of promotional activity would be best for each group
(see below), and what promotional materials you will need to support this
activity.
3. Draw up a budget and detailed plan, including a plan of how you will
evaluate the promotional activity. Produce any materials to support the
promotional activity, such as leaflets, posters or signs. Organise the activity.
4. Evaluate the activity (review how effective it has been) and use the results of
the evaluation to help you prepare future promotional activities.
8.2.3 Promotional activities
There are many ways to promote a resource centre, such as providing a good
service, signposting and advertising, organising activities, producing and
distributing materials, and networking.
Providing a good service
• Maintain an up-to-date and well-ordered collection.
• Provide a good service to users and encourage users to let other people
know about the resource centre.
• Carry out regular needs assessment (see Section 1.1) and respond to the
findings.
SECTION 8: MAKING LINKS
5