A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Most people in the field of education are familiar with the ERIC database, the world's largest and most frequently searched education database. But there's much more to ERIC. You may be surprised to learn that ERIC

• produces an annual comprehensive calendar of education-related conferences;
• offers more than 1,600 ERIC Digests, popular two-page research summaries on important topics in education;
• hosts a network of award-winning Internet sites; and
• has information for teachers, parents, administrators anyone interested in education issues and research.

ERIC is celebrating 30 years of providing education-related research and information to millions of customers. It was created in the 1960s to capture federally funded education research and make copies available on paper or microfiche. You can use ERIC to do an extensive search of the literature on almost any education-related topic, or to get a brief summary of issues like school violence prevention, the benefits of mixed-age classroom grouping, full-day kindergarten programs, or block scheduling.

The ERIC system is part of the U.S. Department of Education's National Library of Education and consists of 16 ERIC Clearinghouses, 10 Adjunct Clearinghouses, and additional support components. ERIC Clearinghouses collect, abstract, and index education materials for the ERIC database; and together they respond to thousands of requests for information.

The clearinghouses also produce more than 250 special publications each year on current research, programs, and practices. ERIC publications provide research syntheses and best practice on timely topics such as performance-based assessment, distance education, and educational technology. One publication, The ERIC Review (a free journal produced by ACCESS ERIC), reports critical trends and issues in education as well as new ERIC system developments. (Forthcoming issues will cover inclusive schools and dissemination of education information.)

ERIC also is keeping pace with the increasing emphasis on the role of parents in their children's education. Parent brochures offer answers to questions and additional resources on such topics as playground safety and homeschooling. You also can visit the National Parent Information Network's Web site for short articles on child rearing and child development (see ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, page 7).

If you have access to the Internet, you can explore ERIC resources by starting with the systemwide Web site (http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/Home.portal). This site provides basic information about ERIC; allows you to search the ERIC database; enables you to search and print or download copies of the 1,600 ERIC Digests; and links you to more than 20 ERIC-sponsored Internet sites, including those on reading, adult and vocational education, teaching and teacher education, languages and linguistics, and science, math, and environmental education.

ERIC's Internet sites have won more than 23 awards. The best known ERIC site is AskERIC (http://ericir.syr.edu), which features an information-rich virtual library including hundreds of lesson plans and InfoGuides that help users navigate the Internet by pulling together resources on topics such as children's literature and site-based management.

ERIC resources are accessible to anyone who needs them. All ERIC clearinghouses have toll-free numbers. So, if you need information and are not sure where to start, call ACCESS ERIC at 1-800-LET-ERIC (538-3742).
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[Calendar]

[ERIC Clearinghouses]