A descriptive study identified and assessed programmatic characteristics of rural literacy services in northern Pennsylvania and factors affecting participation of adult literacy students in those services. The study focused on service delivery aspects of programming and incentives/motivations as well as on barriers affecting participation. Surveys and interviews collected data on programs, students, and need for services as well as attitudes and perceptions. Results indicated that most adult literacy providers and consumers were involved in adult basic education (ABE) programming; volunteers were an important component of most adult literacy programs; computer lessons were used in two-thirds of the responding programs; and two-thirds of the participants did not have more than a 10th-grade education. Barriers to participation in and delivery of ABE services were the following: low motivation and few incentives; need for confidentiality; inadequate transportation; lack of child care services; lack of community leadership; lack of professional support; and inappropriate funding. Recommendations corresponding to these barriers were made to improve and expand existing literacy services. (Appendixes include a list of 73 references; the survey packet; a report on library-based literacy service; funding source and technical assistance information; and raw data.) (YLB)