The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) provides access to the world's English-language literature relevant to educators; generates new information products; and utilizes developmental, research, and program findings in educational planning and operations. The components that comprise the ERIC System are Central ERIC, ERIC Clearinghouses, ERIC Facility, and ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS). The ERIC System makes possible (1) access to the ERIC Data Base for students, faculty, and administrators; access to documents through EDRS and to journals through a reprint service or university library for individuals; (2) access to the ERIC document microfiche collection; (3) technical assistance to users of the ERIC System; (4) written responses, based on literature search and analysis, to user inquiries; and (5) provision of requested information through use of computer retrieval methods. Discussions are provided of ERIC Reference Tools; Microfiche Equipment, Space Requirements, Manual Searching, Machine Searching, ERIC Orientation Materials; and Frequently Used Educational Sources. The four appendixes are: A. Source Journal Index, B. EDRS Ordering Information, C. ERIC Clearinghouses: Scopes and Codes, and D. Manual for Visitors--Steps in Searching "Research in Education" (RIE) and Steps in Searching "Current Index to Journals in Education" (CIJE). (DB)