The Literacy, Welfare, and Work (LWW) Preliminary Study was designed to help literacy practitioners: to understand the new socioeconomic and political context within which we are working; to identify the perceptions and experiences of both literacy workers and learners in relation to this context; and to begin an examination of the many factors that impact on students' abilities to find and keep a job.

This exploratory study is intended as a "first look'' at the complex relationship between education (specifically adult literacy) and employment. The study will also provide a framework for more extensive long-term research, namely the Literacy, Welfare & Work Longitudinal Research Project.

Copies of the preliminary study are available from Diane Eastman, Coalition for Brandon Literacy Services (CBLS), c/o 303-9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 4A8; Tel.: (204) 727- 1407; Fax: (204) 726-0902 or Janet Smith, Common Ground Consulting, #200-107 Seventh Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 3S7; Tel. & Fax: (204) 729-0492; E-mail: commonground@mb.sympatico.ca (98.01.20)