Professional Staff provide suppport services such as recruitment, training and coordination of volunteer tutors and learners. These paid staff work cooperatively with local adult schools, community colleges and other literacy providers, making and receiving referrals. They also form partnerships with other community agencies to provide adult learners access to a variety of needed services. The California State Library provides participating libraries with the guidelines, resources and technical assistance necessary to meet their community's needs. Some are referred by other educational programs, community agencies, or their employers.
Adults have literacy problems for many reasons.
Most have compensated by developing effective listening, memorization and manual skills, and by using a network of trusted helpers. Most are capable of learning if given the encouragement, guidance and appropriate materials in a setting where they are made to feel welcome and comfortable. Libraries do just that. Volunteers contribute to the Campaign in many ways and help to make the effort cost-effective. Trained volunteer tutors contribute to a more literate community by helping adult learners reach their goals.