The importance of research in literacy is that it provides some routes to greater efficiency in literacy provision. Research from the past shows how important reading and writing have been over the centuries. Literacy was often invested with social and moral power as well, and religious literacy was the predominant form of reading and writing from before the time of the ancient Greeks through the Middle Ages. Some theories of literacy link the industrial revolution to the increase in literacy of the period, but others dispute this assertion. Mass literacy programs or campaigns have also been a focus of recent historical inquiry--showing that literacy campaigns never take place in cultural and historical isolation. Social science research today has grown tremendously. This research has raised four main issues that are likely to be investigated often in the years to come: (1) defining and redefining literacy; (2) the acquisition of literacy; (3) retention of literacy; and (4) individual and social consequences of literacy. Future research is likely to focus on adult literacy campaigns, the advent of universal primary education, and changing levels of literacy requirements. (KC)