Designed as a progress report of the literature search portion of the Targeted Research and Development Program in Reading (TRDPR), this paper outlines objectives of the literature search, data base prerequisites for model building, and activities involved in synthesis of efforts. Objectives of the program include identification of literature on the reading process, explanation of how reading and language development processes operate (partial model building), descriptions of models, and development of new hypotheses related to models of reading and language processes. It is suggested (1) that a multidisciplinary team of reading experts, psycholinguists, etc., be named to conduct the review and evaluation with the guidance of an advisory group; (2) that a central processing group coordinate and facilitate their efforts; and (3) that progress of groups be reported at professional meetings. An outline is given of means used to select reviewer-evaluators, advisory panel, and central processing groups. Stages and activities in the literature search from preliminary outline to analysis to presentation of findings are described. Future directions of the TRDPR are outlined and references and tables are included. (MS)