RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
HEALTHLINK WORLDWIDE
2.1.2 Sample job description of a resource centre officer
Resource Centre Officer
Background
The aim of the resource centre is to assist in the overall goal of the organisation to
achieve health for all by collecting, organising and disseminating information in health
and health-related fields. The resource centre serves staff of the organisation, including
those responsible for training and those undertaking research. The resource centre is
guided in its implementation and development by the Resource Centre Advisory
Committee. The Resource Centre Officer is accountable to the Head of Information.
Main responsibilities
The Resource Centre Officer is responsible for the day-to-day running of the resource
centre. Specific responsibilities are to:
• develop a collection policy in consultation with the Head of Information and the
Resource Centre Advisory Committee
• gather information and materials to meet the needs of resource centre users, in
consultation with the Head of Information and the Resource Centre Advisory
Committee
• develop and maintain an effective ordering system for new materials
• process materials, including entering new materials into the accessions register and
classifying and cataloguing materials
• ensure that the resource centre is user-friendly and accessible, including assisting
users to identify materials
• develop activities in which users can share ideas and concerns on the role of the
resource centre
• work with users to identify activities that information could support, and provide
materials for those activities
• promote the services of the resource centre through activities such as displaying new
materials in the resource centre, and at meetings and workshops
• encourage and promote the use of information
• produce regular statistical reports on the functioning and use of the resource centre
• liaise with the Head of Information and the Resource Centre Advisory Committee
to implement the resource centre guidelines and procedures.
Person specification
Matriculation
Good administrative skills
Computer skills [if your centre is or may become computerised]
Good working knowledge of English and local language
Knowledge of the health sector
Resource centre experience or training
Able to communicate and work well with users
Able to take responsibility
Friendly, creative and enthusiastic
Committed to the aims of the resource centre
4 SECTION 2: MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE