Use of the ERIC database is explained in the 1980 edition of the guide. Presented first are the major components of the ERIC document collection and journal index, including the thesaurus, indexes, and source materials. A step-by-step procedure for searching Resources in Education (document index) and Current Index to Journals in Education by subject using the 1980 revision of the thesaurus is described, and a brief explanation of searching by author, institution, or type of publication is provided. The guide also includes general information about computerized ERIC searches, an annotated bibliography of ERIC materials (indexes and thesauri) and guides to ERIC, and a directory of the 16 ERIC clearinghouses. (SW)