The purpose of this study was to examine the use made of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) products and services by members of the educational community, and in this context to evaluate the extent to which the ERIC system is achieving its objectives of guaranteeing ready access to the nation's current significant literature in the field of education. The report is prepared in four volumes and a summary volume. Chapter 1 of this volume describes the methodology of this study, its design and how it was conducted. The questionnaires used in the survey are presented in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 is a summary of the conclusions and recommendations of ERIC study advisory panels. Anecdotal information is presented as Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 contains background information including: ERIC clearinghouses - brief scope notes; location of ERIC microfiche collections; a glossary of ERIC terms and a bibliography. (The other volumes of this study are available as LI 003628 through 003630 and 003632.) (Author/NH)