Information tools
Selection of information and documentation tools and background articles to be used in documention centres in the water and sanitation sector.
Assessment tool for information and documentation centres
List of basic questions to assess the current situation; to use as a basis for an action or strategy plan; and to identify the need for support.
Classification system IRC library
One of the two tools IRC uses to facilitate access to the various water and sanitation subjects. The other tool is the Interwater thesaurus.
In a classification system, all materials, such as books, articles, and audiovisual materials are organised according to their topic, and a number is allocated to that particular information material.
IRC_WASH_Classification_System.doc (73.5 kB)
Finding Water and Sanitation Information on the Internet
WELL Factsheet providing insight in how to find water and sanitation information; what search tool you could use for which purpose; tips on how to evaluate the quality of the information you have found; and how to keep track of information.
Go to the fact sheet
Guideline for reviewing books or papers
A book review gives a critical evaluation of a book or paper and can help you decide whether you want to read it. This guideline for writing reviews was set up for internal use within IRC, but it might be of relevance for others too.
Procedure book reviews final draft.doc (40.5 kB)
Guideline for writing abstracts
While developed for writing abstracts for the IRC WASH library database, it will be useful for everyone who has to write a brief summary of a document.
Procedure_abstracts-irctemp.doc (58.5 kB)
How to make a reference list
This document describes what a good reference list (applying the Harvard style) should look like, looking at various types of publications, such as articles, complete publications, and web sites. For each type one or more examples are included. You can also use the new tool in the IRC WASH Library under My References. Read the Quick Start Guide to Make Reference Lists or the Manual for Reference Lists for more information.
How_to_make_a_reference_list.pdf (316.5 kB)
Information: its collection and use throughout the Project Cycle
Short manual summarising the information needed throughout the project cycle and how to get it (2005). By W. Klaassen and M. Moynihan.
InterWATER Thesaurus
The InterWATER Thesaurus can be used for indexing information; for searching or retrieving information; and as a translation tool for English, French and Spanish water and sanitation terms.
Organising local documentation services for the water and sanitation sector
IRC guidelines concentrating on the basic tasks needed to set up and operate a small water and sanitation documentation centre at the local level (2005). By Stephen Parker.
