I. Introduction

A. Purpose of the Background Paper

The purpose of this paper is to provide background information in preparation for the dialogue that will take place at the Canadian Library Association (CLA)’s National Summit on Libraries and Literacy: Moving Forward in June 2006.

The objectives of the paper are to provide:

• an overview of what has been accomplished since the 1995 national summit on libraries and literacy, as well as the challenges that still exist
• a scan of how libraries across Canada are addressing adult literacy in their work
• interesting and innovative examples of library initiatives on adult literacy
• questions for Summit delegates to consider in preparation for attending the event

B. Background on the AFLIG 2006 Summit

The National Summit on Libraries and Literacy is hosted by the CLA’s Action for Literacy Interest Group (AFLIG). The Summit brings together representatives from libraries, library associations, literacy organizations, adult learner groups, and government agencies who are interested in exploring and expanding the role of libraries as learning partners.

The Summit will provide an opportunity to update what has taken place with respect to libraries and literacy since the 1995 Summit. It will present an occasion to build upon current library/literacy initiatives to advance new approaches.

The goals of the Summit are to:

• develop strategies to increase information sharing, among libraries and between libraries and literacy organizations
• plan initiatives to increase collaboration
• provide information about existing library and literacy initiatives locally and internationally
• create concrete tasks that will enable participants to move forward with a national vision for library/literacy initiatives and collaborations