RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
HEALTHLINK WORLDWIDE
for resource centres and the use of information, and to attract funding for
development work.
Networks can be temporary – set up to exchange information about a
particular topic for a specific period of time, or to campaign for a change in
policy – or more permanent – dedicated to a long-term, comprehensive
programme, such as a commitment to train and support information workers.
It is useful even for informal networks to have some form of objectives, as these
determine their activities and the types of individuals and organisations likely
to be active members. It is also useful to stand back occasionally and evaluate
how well the network is achieving its objectives, and whether they need to be
re-emphasised, or re-defined. It is useful to periodically analyse not just the
actual activities and discussions, but also their usefulness and impact on the
network members and their work. If there is no network administrator, one of
the members could be identified to coordinate this analysis.
8.3.2 Successful networking
Factors that contribute to effective networking include:
• solidarity among all members of the network, including understanding the
different levels of resources (time and financial) which each member or
organisation is able to contribute
• mutual trust among members
• clearly defined objectives
• a committed core of active members, who are representative of the members
• clearly defined coordination roles and responsibilities (where appropriate)
• a willingness to delegate responsibilities to involve a variety of the
membership
• spontaneity (the network has developed naturally)
• openness
• flexibility and awareness of the need to change or discontinue the network
once the immediate goals have been achieved
• equal involvement at all levels.
TIP: Gaining from a network
If you participate in a network, it is useful to consider what you and
your resource centre have gained from being part of the network. If
you have not gained, it could be because you have not fully
participated, or because it is not an appropriate network for your
resource centre.
SECTION 8: MAKING LINKS
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