The UNESCO Courier's estimate of 700 million totally illiterate persons world wide and estimate of 10 million functionally illiterate persons in the United States are cited. Advantages to being literate are discussed which pertain to the welfare of the individual himself and society in general. The 16 trends in the development of literacy programs in the United States noted in the report cover the total illiterate population spanning all age groups. Some of the current trends described revolve around teaching approaches, teaching personnel and the involvement of specialists from allied fields, the use of printed materials as well as hardware, research emphasis, and evaluation of the entire field. Considered separately is the technological equipment currently being used and possibilities for its future use. Attention is called to the dangers inherent in the technological revolution as well as the benefits that can result from meeting the needs of people on an individual basis. Recommendations are made to the universities and colleges on the basis of research findings assembled in the 1960's. Programs concerned with teacher education as it relates to literacy instruction are listed, but the need for a nationwide expansion of such programs is emphasized. A bibliography is included. (DH)