This guide describes ERIC (the Educational Resources Information Center) as a system of 16 clearinghouses and 5 support units providing many types of information services related to education, and also describes ERIC as a bibliographic database where descriptions of education-related documents and articles are maintained. It explains how to get started using ERIC; how to use a computer to access the ERIC database; and how to obtain articles or documents identified through searches of the ERIC system. The guide also reports how to access the ERIC clearinghouse that specifically focuses on information about disabilities (the Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education) and describes its products and services. The guide displays a sample ERIC document resume; presents names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and scope notes for each of the 16 ERIC clearinghouses; and lists two suggested readings. (JDD)