It is no longer realistic or viable for HRD to be isolated from the broader context of workforce development. Organizations, where HRD has been traditionally situated, have begun to realize the ominous workforce challenge that lies ahead--especially related to ensuring literate and skilled adults in the future. It is very important for HRD professionals to "tune into" these emerging trends because they will affect our roles and responsibilities. The purpose of this manuscript is twofold: 1) it presents a review of the relevant literature regarding the issues and future trends prevalent in the field of Adult Literacy; and 2) it presents the results of a survey conducted during Summer, 2001 which sought to elicit what 14 experts in the field of Adult Literacy thought would and will be the most significant challenges as the field moves forward in the 21st century. Thus, the research problem can be summarized in the following research question: what do experts in the field of Adult Literacy presume will be the most significant challenges as the field moves forward? This paper begins with a literature review of relevant sources concerning general trends in Adult Literacy. This literature review is intended to provide a backdrop given that many HRD professionals may be unfamiliar with the current ideas and debates in the diverse field of Adult Literacy. It is from this backdrop that the researchers began to inquire in an exploratory nature what several Literacy experts may suggest are the core challenges on the horizon for the field and its professionals. [For complete proceedings, see ED491481.]