In 1966, Congress approved the first adult education act, and the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system was established. Monies to support adult education research and delivery systems became available at the same time as a mechanism was put in place to collect and disseminate results of these activities. The Adult Education Act (AEA) provides funding for adult education programs serving educationally disadvantaged adults. As amendments have expanded its scope, both enrollees and financial support have increased. ERIC is a federally supported educational database designed to put the results of educational research and development in the hands of researchers, practitioners, administrators, and policymakers. Sixteen clearinghouses acquire and process information in their assigned area to build the ERIC database. The database, which can be accessed through printed index, by computer, or in CD-ROM format, consists of document literature announced monthly in "Resources in Education" and journal literature included in "Current Index to Journals in Education." ERIC clearinghouses provide reference services and develop and dissemination informational products. The ERIC system collects and disseminates two categories of materials related to the AEA: those that are about the act and those that are the results of projects and research funded by the act, such as reports and curricula. (10 references) (YLB)