Resource centers are essentially information repositories that focus on a single topic or area. There are numerous types of resource centers available today, but the most common resource categories are student, medical, social/legal, and career/professional. Many resource centers are physical locations, but many more take the form of websites.
On college campuses, student resource centers are common. They assist students who require financial assistance in understanding the various types of student loans as well as other sources of funding such as grants and scholarships. Student resource centers frequently include a library of information about university programs, as well as admission and attendance requirements.
Medical resource centers provide information and other resources related to a specific disease or condition, such as cancer or dwarfism. Medical resource centers usually have the most up-to-date research information. This type of resource center may also provide referrals to wellness programs or discussion groups. Links to national and local organizations are common on medical resource websites.
Career and professional resource centers may specialize in a single vocation or profession, such as nursing, or they may assist clients in locating employment providing aptitude and other testing. Materials related to education programs, such as learning guides, may be housed in teacher’s resource centers. Domestic violence is one of the issues addressed social and legal resource centers. It’s possible that you’ll be given information about protection orders and referred to a shelter.
Other resource centers are geared toward a specific activity, such as yoga, or a specific group of people, such as small business owners. People with similar problems, interests, and goals benefit from resource centers because they provide a sense of community. Although a resource center is not the same as a support group, resource centers can often provide referrals to support groups. Informational pamphlets, educational DVDs, and discussion groups are available at many resource centers.