RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
HEALTHLINK WORLDWIDE
8.3 Networks and networking
Networking means keeping in contact with individuals or organisations
working in a similar field, to exchange ideas and experiences, and provide
mutual support.
Networking is an important way for organisations and individuals to keep
informed, and is therefore important for resource centre staff. Networking can
help resource centre staff to solve problems, exchange professional advice, and
experience, and even carry out joint activities, such as producing publications,
assessing or translating materials, holding training workshops and arranging
exchange visits.
Networks of resource centre and information staff are particularly useful for:
• sharing information about new resources
• responding to questions
• providing document supply services
• sharing catalogue/database records
• sharing experiences in managing the resource centre and its services
• collaborating on producing or adapting materials
• providing training
• developing funding proposals
• advocating for the importance of access to information.
8.3.1 Developing a network
Networking can be an informal activity, such as keeping in regular contact with
other resource centre staff, passing on information about new resources, or
asking for information on specific topics. Regular networking can lead to the
development of a recognised network, with membership and a set of objectives.
Networks can develop informally, or they can be established as a formal group
with an administrator. They may be local, national or international. The
geographic divide is gradually being reduced by increasing access to electronic
networks (see Section 6.9.4 Electronic conferences). Networks can be made up
of organisations and individuals within a particular sector, or from a number of
different sectors, and can aid intersectoral collaboration. Members of a
community health network may include NGOs, aid agencies, government
health departments, academic institutions, research centres, training centres,
issue-based movements and journalists.
Exchanging information is one of the most useful activities of networks. Some
networks are set up primarily to help link and inform information workers
(such as AHILA-Net and the Health Information Forum). Some networks are
formed for the sole purpose of exchanging information on specific health
issues, such as drug policy, community health or participatory research.
Networks are also important in bringing together enough voices to advocate
8 SECTION 8: MAKING LINKS