To foster a global exchange of human resources for health (HRH) evidence, tools and innovation, the Capacity Project created a searchable collection of HRH resources with librarian support. Launched in May 2006, the HRH Global Resource Center now has over 1,000 resources that help health sector leaders address workforce challenges.

This web-based portal holds a rapidly growing collection of reports, journal articles, tools and features. Based on input from members of the site’s primary audience – national and sub-national health sector leaders and managers in developing countries – the collection incorporates a special focus on country-level documents to strengthen knowledge sharing.

In December 2006, the Resource Center received over 15,000 visits. Twenty-seven websites link to the site. Special features include the HRH Leaders in Action interview series, resource spotlights and news articles.

In a comparative analysis of the Resource Center and eight other sites offering HRH collections, the Resource Center was found to have the largest HRH collection and the most extensive subject taxonomy. It is the only site to provide personalized librarian support.

Feedback from the HRH community continues to be enthusiastic. “I can’t say how happy I am about the library – it is a great resource,” commented one user. A user from Papua New Guinea reported that he downloaded 24 resources to discuss with his colleagues. Another user remarked that the Resource Center will “surely go a long way in improving our application of HR management.” For a user from Nepal, the Resource Center is especially helpful since books and other printed materials take a long time to arrive by mail.

The HRH Global Resource Center is utilized by programs as well as individuals. The Virtual Leadership Development Program for HRH managers draws on the site to help participants access materials and work through challenges in their organizations.

January 2007