This book discusses the institutional aspects of the American labor market. The introduction assesses the major changes since 1971.

World Bank Discussion Paper 245. Experience shows that literacy levels are much more easily raised in children than in adults. Literacy is not easily transmitted to adults, and skills of neoliterates are not stable--a problem which can lower the effectiveness rate of literacy projects to as little as 12 or 15 percent. The World Bank now rarely funds these projects, but it is seeking a new strategy for meeting the challenges presented by adult literacy. To find causes for the low effectiveness of programs, a Bank team conducted two literature reviews on literacy in general and on the cognitive correlations of age and performance. The editor presents their findings, pointing to the major obstacles to and determinants of adult literacy, and suggests effective instructional methods. The team also emphasizes the need for more research on the subject.

From the traditional craft hiring hall to the Web site Monster.com, a multitude of institutions exist to facilitate the matching of workers with firms. The diversity of such Labor Market Intermediaries (LMIs) encompasses criminal records providers, public employment offices, labor unions, temporary help agencies, and centralized medical residency matches. Studies of Labor Market Intermediation analyzes how these third-party actors intercede where workers and firms meet, thereby aiding, impeding, and, in some cases, exploiting the matching process. By building a conceptual foundation for analyzing the roles that these understudied economic actors serve in the labor market, this volume develops both a qualitative and quantitative sense of their significance to market operation and worker welfare. Cross-national in scope, Studies of Labor Market Intermediation is distinctive in coalescing research on a set of market institutions that are typically treated as isolated entities, thus setting a research agenda for analyzing the changing shape of employment in an era of rapid globalization and technological change.

Skilled technical occupationsâ€"defined as occupations that require a high level of knowledge in a technical domain but do not require a bachelor's degree for entryâ€"are a key component of the U.S. economy. In response to globalization and advances in science and technology, American firms are demanding workers with greater proficiency in literacy and numeracy, as well as strong interpersonal, technical, and problem-solving skills. However, employer surveys and industry and government reports have raised concerns that the nation may not have an adequate supply of skilled technical workers to achieve its competitiveness and economic growth objectives. In response to the broader need for policy information and advice, Building America's Skilled Technical Workforce examines the coverage, effectiveness, flexibility, and coordination of the policies and various programs that prepare Americans for skilled technical jobs. This report provides action-oriented recommendations for improving the American system of technical education, training, and certification.