ERIC's database contains over 850,000 records of journal articles, research reports, curriculum and teaching guides, conference papers, and books on education research and practice. Questions sent by e-mail are answered within 48 hours. Grants are used to develop and enhance technologies to simplify access to the information superhighway for everyone and to foster resource sharing and cooperation among libraries. One of LP's most recently funded projects in Maryland became the first in the nation to offer residents free direct connection to the Internet. Access to the network can be gained through computers in local public libraries or by modem from an individual's home or business computer.
Students have access through their school's library media center.
Presently, NCES is upgrading its electronic dissemination techniques to reach a broader audience and to reflect the rapidly changing technologies available not only to NCES but also to its current and potential users. These techniques include CD-ROM and Internet. Information available through the Internet includes announcements of new publications and datasets, press releases, and full-text publications.