National Adult Literacy Database

In times of economic uncertainty and ever-changing information technology, organizations – whether in the public domain or private sector – are often obligated to sit back, reflect and re-evaluate their activities and priorities. With this in mind, the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) is adapting some of its services and setting a new course for the future.

This new course is outlined in our 2011-2012 NALD Annual Report which we’re highlighting in July as our Feature of the Month.

Last year was one of reflection, retooling and rethinking the services we offer in addition to how we can put NALD on a stable long-term path that is not reliant on a single funder. Tough decisions had to be made along the way. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to some staff members, and we no longer design and develop websites for organizations in the field at no cost to them.

NALD is reducing its reliance on HRSDC’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) as its primary core funder by creating a more commercially driven social enterprise. This new arm of NALD will seek opportunities to leverage the skills and abilities of our dedicated team of employees and the depth of knowledge in our library. We are also seeking to improve the quality of the user experience by increasing interactivity, improving the search functions in our library and adding the ability to comment and rank tools and resources on our site.

While change is all around us, some things will never change:

• NALD’s solid commitment to supporting the LES field
• Access to our library services at no charge to users
• Our desire to continue to use technology to support the field across Canada

These are fundamental elements of NALD and will always be priorities as we move forward.

NALD will continue to provide free website hosting, even though we are no longer funded by OLES to do so. We feel it is important to provide a network that serves to connect literacy and essential skills organizations across Canada. 

Please take time to read our Annual Report and join us as we build on NALD’s distinguished legacy.