The National Library of Education is the authority behind ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), a federally-funded national information system begun in 1966 (and electronic since 1992), providing, through subject-specific and adjunct clearinghouses, a variety of services and products on a broad range of education-related issues. The ERIC database, the world's largest source of education information, contains more than one million abstracts of documents and journal articles on education research and practices. AskERIC is a personalized Internet-based service providing information to teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators, and parents. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, Syracuse University and its Center for Science and Technology, and Sun Microsystems. Among the six major website components are:
- About AskERIC
- Question and Answer Service (including Frequently Asked Questions and a unique system whereby network information specialists respond to specific inquiries with personal e-mail within two business days)
- Virtual Library (linked electronic resources including Discovery/Learning Channel, NASA, and Newton's Apple)
In addition, the New and Noteworthy database features: - Lesson Plans (an 11-subject catalog of 1,000+ units and plans)
- Keyword searchable ERIC database (1966-date, updated monthly)
R&D (reports on new technologies) are allied with toolboxes and hot topics - AskA+ Locator links students, parents, and teachers with experts via the Internet
AskERIC topics include education standards, preparing children for school, safety and violence prevention, special and distance education, and curriculum development. A K-16 American History curriculum, television series companion materials, professional announcements, and K-12 Java links are other highlights. This invaluable website loads quickly and navigates with ease, contains compelling, up-to-date resources on the arts, languages, social studies, and sciences, and is an essential pedagogical tool for educators and parents.
**Review Updated: 8/31/05
This website was discontinued in 2005, but you can still visit this URL for information on accessing the original resources.
