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This paper reviews the current extent of, research into, and future expectations for the use of online bibliographic retrieval systems by untrained end users rather than by trained search intermediaries. Six sections cover: (1) studies of direct end user searching, done primarily with students or persons in highly technical fields; (2) problems to be addressed before end user access can become common practice, including the variability of search procedures and the user's possible lack of computer, online searching, and information seeking experience; (3) suggested solutions to these problems, including standardization of online search procedures, training of end users, and the development of user-friendly system modifications; (4) methods and systems currently used to train novice online users, including TRAINER, DIATOM, and IIDA (Individualized Instruction for Data Access); (5) current research into user-friendly system modifications, with descriptions of VSS (Vocabulary Switching System), CONIT (COnnector for Networked Information Transfer), IIDA, TSW (The Searcher's Workbench), PaperChase, MICROsearch, CITE (Current Information Transfer in English), and OL'SAM (Online Search Assistance Machine); and (6) projections concerning the future direct use of computer information systems. A 54-item bibliography is provided as well as a 38-item annotated bibliography of ERIC publications and information on how to order ERIC documents. (ESR)