The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) is a federally funded, nationwide information network designed to provide users with ready access to education literature. The mission of the ERIC system is to improve American education by increasing and facilitating the use of educational research and information to improve practice in learning, teaching, educational decision making, and research. This booklet presents information about ERIC, its features, services, and products. The first section, "What Is ERIC?" defines ERIC and its users. A sidebar presents "A Word About the National Library of Education." The next section, "The ERIC Database," describes the ERIC documents and ERIC journal articles. "Searching the ERIC Database" gives information on where users can search ERIC as well as tips on searching the ERIC database. The next two sections are "How Can You Get Copies of ERIC Documents and Journal Articles?" and "How Can You Contribute to the ERIC Database?" with the latter section providing information on ERIC partner agencies and organizations. Next, the section "ERIC Publications and Products" describes clearinghouse publications, ERIC Digests, "The ERIC Review," parent brochures, and products about ERIC. A section called "ERIC on the Internet" provides information on communicating via e-mail; ERIC Web sites; the AskERIC service; listservs; the ERIC document delivery and subscription service; and special projects of the Department of Education: Dan O'Brien Goal-Setting Program; Education Resource Organization Directory; ERIC Calendar of Education-Related Conferences; ERIC/OSEP Special Project; ERIC Search Wizard and Expert Searches; Gateway to Educational Materials (GEM); Key Resources in Community Colleges; National Parent Information Network (NPIN); NIFL-ESL Listserv; Reading Pathfinder; Test Locator; Virtual Libraries; Virtual Reference Desk (VRD); and Workplace Literacy Products. An "ERIC System Directory" is next, with contact information and descriptions of the following: federal sponsor; the 16 Clearinghouses and 9 Adjunct Clearinghouses; the Affiliate Clearinghouse; support components; and publishers. The next section, "How To Start an ERIC Resource Collection," provides information on computer searching; the electronic document subscription service; ERIC microfiche; the "Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors"; print index searching; additional ERIC resources for libraries and information centers; ERIC training; and the ERICNews listserv. Names, addresses and other contact information for ERIC online and CD-ROM vendors are then provided, followed by an ERIC search worksheet, a glossary and the U.S. Department of Education information sheet. (AEF)