Introduction

One of the characteristics of the museum education is self-directed learning. The Educational Resource Center of the NMP (the Center) provides an opportunity and environment for lifelong learning for all visitors. The Center supports the museum's objectives for all visitors through various learning resources such as documentary information, enquiry services, and collections,

The Educational Resource Center was officially opened on August 17, 2002. Situated at the basement of the east exhibition hall, and it consists of sections of children's book, computer search, audio-video, general books and audio-video resources. The current collections include books and audio-video information in areas of archaeology, anthropology, ethnology, natural history and indigenous peoples in Taiwan. Catalog and collection search stations are available in the computer search section, allowing visitors to explore the NMP's collections.

Apart from books and audio-video information, this Center also opens to public inquiries. Various parents'n'kids activities are held by the Center. Those activities can provide teachers, students and Taitung residents a variety of educational resources and learning opportunities.

The resources:

A.	Computer search section: There are six multimedia computers available for global information network and database search.
B.	Children's book section: For children under 12 years old, including pre-school and primary school students. This section provides children's books on general subjects, as well as special readings, such as topics related to the museum exhibits. The open reading space seats 16 people.
C.	Audio-video section: The collection of audio-video information of the Center includes video tapes, audio tapes, and interactive CD-ROMs, suitable for parents and children.
D.	General books section: A collection of volumes on the topics related to the museum exhibits, such as archaeology, anthropology, natural history and the indigenous peoples of Taiwan. The open reading space seats 16 people.