ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Education

Variant names

Biographical notes:

The ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Education (ERIC/AE) at Syracuse University was an outgrowth of the Library of Continuing Education (LCE). LCE provided a storehouse for information in the area of adult education. During the term of the LCE contract the need arose for a different type of work than that done under the LCE contract. In the meantime the ERIC Clearinghouse network became available. ERIC Clearinghouse provided "research and research related documents to which access cannot be readily attained through any presently existing bibliographic tool". The working papers of LCE's final report indicate that the "Library of Continuing Education at Syracuse University will operate as an ERIC Clearinghouse for the period of the present contract." (Statement of Work, Library of Continuing Education, working papers)

"The ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Education (ERIC/AE) was sponsored by the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) of the United States Office of Education and Syracuse University to provide information services to the adult education and training profession." ( Continuing Education For Adults . No. 147, April 1970. p. 1) ERIC/AE gathered together information that would be of help "to adult education agencies in business and industry, churches, the military and other governmental and community organizations as well as schools and universities." (Ibid.) A National Advisory Board was established to determine what information needs were and to maintain contact with the field of adult education.

A primary function of ERIC/AE was the printing of various materials, including bibliographies, analytical reviews, Basic Literature Sources, Current Literature Sources and newsletters.

The Syracuse University contract for ERIC/AE was not renewed in 1972. At that time the Clearinghouse moved to Illinois. The Clearinghouse then moved to Ohio State where it is part of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career and Vocational Education.

From the guide to the ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Education (ERIC/AE) Records, 1962-1973, (Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries)