This resource is as much a tribute to its editors and contributors, a cadre of champions who have made the study of this underrepresented group their lifework, as it is a testament to their unwavering respect for the young inquiring mind. It begins with a historical overview of the literature on children's use and understanding of electronic information systems, when these retrieval mechanisms were in their infancy. Subsequent essays by leading figures in the field, all peer-reviewed, highlight the theoretical and empirical progress that has occurred since then. Including classic papers originally published elsewhere, the result is a powerful synthesis of thought, practice, and belief.