Fifth graders were taught to use an electronic card catalog to retrieve information and materials for class assignments and leisure reading materials. Groups of 10 or 12 students were seen twice a week for periods lasting up to 30 minutes. At these sessions they were introduced to computer components, proper handling, how to log into a network system, and how to search for materials using Boolean terms and keyword searches. The author developed lesson plans to introduce strategies from fundamentals through advanced techniques. Special teaching methods were used to enhance critical thinking. Students also used practice keyboarding machines to help with typing skills, and a tape recorder was available so that they could listen to instructions as they did online searches. The post-test revealed that all these strategies were effective for teaching students to use the online catalog effectively, and the students' ability to have their own work stations contributed to the study's success. Project evaluations revealed the students' preferences for using an electronic database because of the options it allows. Three tables present study data, and eleven appendixes contain survey and evaluation instruments as well as supplemental information. (Contains 31 references.) (Author/SLD)