This report examines selected public sector direct job creation schemes that were in operation in 1977-1978 in Canada, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Based on responses to a questionnaire and discussions with officials in the five countries, the information presented in the report is not intended to evaluate any one program but rather simply to show the results of a series of different job creation programs and later to develop some of the implications of these results. Following descriptions of major programs in each of the countries, the various existing program types and their common characteristics are outlined. Presented next are data pertaining to the following areas: number and types of jobs created; characteristics of participants (employment status, sex, age, educational attainment, economic status); targeting success; transition and postprogram experience; attitudes and satisfaction; wages; net costs; net job creation/displacement; start-up and phase-out; value of output; and financing of programs. In a section on the implications of the findings, the multiple objectives, employment impact, and inflationary impact of direct job creation are explored. Mentioned next are some considerations relating to future policy development, including program design, funding, training, transition, and community dependence on programs. (MN)