The authors of this document note that the need for literacy services in a community may change a little or change a lot. Either way, Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) agencies must monitor the need and revise their programs accordingly.

This guide is organized around a simple model for collecting and delivering the information needed for planning literacy services. The process is divided into three stages: gathering information about the community; analysing data collected; and presenting information.

The guide accompanies the document “Counting the Beans: What Do They Mean?” That document provides background information of the project that gave rise to this guide.