Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Local Literaciesis a unique study of everyday reading and writing. By concentrating on a selection of people in a particular community in Britain, the authors analyze how they use literacy in their day-to-day lives.
This exploration provides a description of literacy at one point in time, and also reveals the nature and significance of communication to people, households and communities.
Local Literacies, the first in-depth study of literacy, includes:
* appendices of raw data
* notes for teachers and students on how to use the book
* guidance for carrying out individual research
Local Literaciesis both a theoretical work, and a practical book. It provides stimulating and informative reading for anyone interested in the nature of literacy today, particularly students, teachers and researchers.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Part 1
• 1 Understanding literacy as social practice
• 2 Locating literacies in time and space
• i A history of literacy in Lancaster
• 3 Locating literacies in time and space
• ii Lancaster today
• 4 Ethnography in practice
• Part 2
• 5 How they've fared in education: Harry's literacy practices
• 6 Getting things done in the community: Shirley's literacy practices
• 7 Living a local life: June's literacy practices
• 8 Leisure and pleasure: Cliff's literacy practices
• Part 3
• 9 Everyday literacies
• i The range of practices
• 10 Everyday literacies
• ii The patterning of practices
• 11 Home, learning and education
• 12 The web of literacies in local organisations
• 13 Becoming Expert: Literacy and Sense making
• 14 Vernacular literacies
• 15 Afterword
• Appendices
• Index