The role of literacy volunteers has taken on new dimensions due to national policy changes and changing views of literacy providers. The fifth National Education Goal, which stated that by the year 2000 every adult American will be literate, has resulted in increased interest in adult literacy programs. The role of the adult new reader is changing as learner-centered approaches become more widespread. Student inputs in program management, goal setting, board policy, and publication of student writings are examples of learner participation. Literacy Volunteers of America and Laubach Literacy Action are trying new approaches to tutor training and producing materials to help local programs with quality and accountability. College student participation as volunteer tutors is on the rise, spurred by the Student Coalition for Action in Literacy Education (SCALE) and the federally funded Student Literacy Corps. Recent developments have raised a number of issues regarding literacy volunteers: equity and access, learner involvement mandated by judicial systems and state assistance programs, program evaluation and learner assessment, partnerships and coalitions, resistance to change, and conflicting research agendas. (Contains 14 references.) (SK)