1. A data retrieval assistance system for providing requested information to a requester based upon identifying information provided by the requester, the system comprising: means for conveying said identifying information to a live operator; a computer having access to an information database, and means for searching said database in response to an inquiry; and a voice communication interface from said live operator to said computer that includes a speech recognition system capable of converting a spoken inquiry from said live operator into an interpreted searchable inquiry that is available to said means for searching.