For members of the dominant culture, libraries produce largely positive affective responses (Farkas). However, researchers and practitioners in the field of library science have identified a need to make library resources more accessible to patrons from marginalized communities who are excluded from library spaces by institutional policies and…

The booklet provides a history of the Right-to-Read, Austin (Texas) Learning Center project and, based on the experiences at Austin, provides a guide to establishing a Right-to-Read project in a learning center. The general problems, needs, and experiences of the project are described and discussed as they evolved, under the following headings:…

The history of American prison education from 1650 to the present can be divided into five periods. Generally speaking, the education provided in prisons has been loose, fragmented, and essentially reflective of the prevailing local prison administration. Although the trend has been toward the adoption of a more enlightened view toward inmates and…

A portrait of illiterates and literacy programs in the United States in the 1980s is derived from this summary of the most up-to-date, valid information that could be obtained from a literature review. The first section on adult illiterates identifies data sources, numbers of illiterates, and characteristics of the five main groups (the elderly,…

A YWCA-based family literacy model curriculum in Elgin, Illinois is described. In 1990, the Elgin YWCA had the following program components in place: six daytime and five evening ability level classes for adults taught by certified teachers; a preschool English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program for 3- to 4-year-old children of adult students;…

This handbook, which is an outgrowth of educational workshops for Portage County (Ohio) Literacy Coalition members, is intended as an introductory text for individuals desiring to become effective supporters of adult literacy efforts in local communities. The context and purpose of the handbook's development are explained in the introduction.…

Large numbers of trained volunteers working in community-based settings are needed if adult literacy programs are to be successful. In addition, adult literacy programs must work in partnership with other community organizations. Particularly necessary are formal linkage agreements with nontraditional organizations such as service and fraternal…

This guide, which is addressed to community-based organizations desiring to start or expand existing adult literacy programs, deals with recruiting and training volunteer literacy tutors. Outlined in the guide are strategies for expanding community outreach efforts (identifying who needs help and where help is typically obtained, learning from…

Prepared by the office of the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian, this manual describes the components and basic start-up steps of successful volunteer literacy programs. The 17 short sections provide an overview of the following topics: (1) purpose and mission; (2) determining need in your community; (3) recruiting students; (4)…

In developing a community-based adult literacy program, program planners need to consider who the program will serve, which strategies will best serve the target population of the program, and exactly how much stability and change are to be encouraged in the program. Once the planners of a community-based adult literacy program have answered these…

This collection contains 17 papers presented at a seminar on literacy strategies in the community movement, held in Namur, Belgium, in 1991. The following papers are included: "Introduction" (Hautecoeur); "Illiteracy: Direction? Action? Results?" (Hautecoeur); "Basic Education and Personal Development Strategies"…

This guide is intended to assist individuals involved in the development, administration, and delivery of volunteer-based community adult literacy programs. Addressed in the individual sections of the guide are the following topics: community (community assessment, learner population, program purposes, public awareness, and partnerships and…

This guide is designed to assist volunteer tutors participating in an adult literacy program. Discussed in the first chapter are the meaning of the term functional literacy, the way in which we get meaning from print, and word identification skills. The next two sections deal with the history of literacy education in industrialized countries and…