3.1 Location, size and structure
3.1.1 Choosing a location
A resource centre needs to be easily accessible to the people
who will use it. Its location will depend on who the users will
be and what space is available. It could be somewhere users
already go to regularly. For example, if most users will be
district health workers, the resource centre could be in the
district hospital, or in the district health offices where health
workers collect their salary cheques. If most users will be
community groups, the resource centre could be near a market
place, bus station or school.
It is worth thinking ahead. The resource centre will probably
be more sustainable if it attracts a wide range of users, such
as practising health workers, medical and nursing students,
health educators, members of community health committees, members
of district management teams and so on.
It is best to find a location where there are no distractions
such as noise and smells. The resource centre needs to be attractive
and inviting. It needs to be accessible to everyone who will
use it (including people with disabilities). It needs to be
easy to find. It is important that it is well signposted and
that directions are included in any publicity material (perhaps
as a map).
3.1.2 Working out the size
The size of the resource centre will depend on how many people
are expected to use it, and what activities are planned to take
place in it. It will also depend on how much space is available.
It will be necessary to negotiate with administrators to find
a suitable site, in view of competing demands for space.
Resource centres can range from a set of shelves in someone's
room, to one or more rooms dedicated to the resource centre
and related activities. The site needs to be large enough to
include:
- space for materials to be shelved
- work spaces for staff and users: desks, tables and chairs
- display area
- space for photocopier, duplicating machine or printing machine,
if required
- space for a computer desk, if required
- space for meetings and possibly training activities
- storage space for materials waiting to be processed
- a secure place for expensive equipment such as a video recorder.
Tip: Size of resource centres
In order to aid decisions concerning the appropriate size of
resource centres and libraries, guidelines were developed for
libraries and resource centres in higher education institutions,
which are also adopted by hospital and health resource centres.
The recommendation is a minimum of 0.42m² per full time
student with a minimum total area of 500 m². For non-academic
or training institutions, the calculations are usually based
on the number of full time staff.
The guidelines also recognise the need for study space. This
was originally calculated at a minimum of 1 space per 16 full
time students. However due to the current emphasis on self-learning
(which requires a greater use of resources), plus the increased
use of technology such as computers and videos, it is now considered
important to provide more space for study.
3.1.3 Ensuring a secure structure
The building in which the resource centre is housed needs to
be in good condition to avoid damage from rainwater. Window
shutters and a roof overhang help to provide protection from
the weather. Mosquito netting over windows helps to protect
both people and materials from insects, especially after dark.
The resource centre should be well lit. Natural light is comfortable
for people to work in. However, materials need to be protected
from strong sunlight.
Materials and equipment in the resource centre need to be secure
from possible theft. It is important that windows and doors
can be shut properly and locked when the resource centre is
not in use.
next: 3.2 Planning the layout
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