The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system consists of a network of 16 subject-specific clearinghouses, several adjunct clearinghouses, and three supporting service components. ERIC is sponsored by the United States Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, and is administered by the National Library of Education. For over 30 years, ERIC has been an important component of the national education dissemination system, ensuring that education information reaches those who need it. The ERIC bibliographic database contains over 950,000 records of education-related documents, books, and journal articles. In 1997-1998, electronic delivery of ERIC documents by the ERIC Document Reproduction Servicce (EDRS) moved from the test phase to the operation phase; ERIC added an adjunct clearinghouse and an affiliated clearinghouse; and two special projects went online - the Gateway to Educational Materials catalog, and the Virtual Reference Desk's AskA+ Locator. Highlights, with illustrations, include the ERIC mission, audience and goals; an overview of the ERIC Database, user services, publications, and products; ERIC Clearinghouses' 1997 Bestsellers; internet access; special projects; outreach and training; partnerships; trends; an ERIC system directory; the U.S. Department of Education's Seven Priorities; and the ERIC budget. (DLS)