The globalization of work and continuing advances in technology are changing the nature of the work force. Blue-collar workers are being replaced by information specialists who are sometimes called "knowledge workers." Knowledge workers are workers who can think, work with ideas, and use information to solve problems and make decisions. In terms of their skills and abilities, knowledge workers are people who are highly educated, creative, and computer literate and who have portable skills that allow them to move anywhere their intelligence, talent, and services are needed. Knowledge workers represent the fastest-growing segment of the work force. Their main value to organizations is their ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions that will benefit their companies. Knowledge workers are continually learning. The responsibility for preparing students and unskilled workers with the technical and cognitive skills required for "knowledge" work has been placed in the hands of education. Although some say that workplace education that prepares individuals with information technology skills required for jobs in the knowledge sector should become a national priority, others are pessimistic about the employment potential of individuals engaged in high-tech training. (A 17-item annotated bibliography constitutes the majority of this document.) (MN)