This paper explores general issues surrounding the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database--its content, operations, and possible "futures." It addresses specific questions regarding restrictions on content and, in particular, the exclusion from the database of a range of non-print media; and the exclusion of the…

Describes the conceptual foundations for the Gateway to Educational Materials (GEM) metadata framework including adoption of the Dublin Core Element Set as its base referent, and extension of that set to meet the needs of the domain. Discusses selection and structuring of the units of description. Examines metadata generation, the association of…