Intended for use by participants in the Ohio Preconference and the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS), this background paper on one of the three major WHCLIS themes examines Ohio's literacy problem and reviews the state's current literacy programs and funding sources. Definitions of terms, a brief history of the literacy issue, the public libraries' role in the literacy effort, and the demographics of adult illiteracy in Ohio are presented. Two charts illustrate Ohio's illiterate population by age range and gender; in addition, Ohio maps indicate the estimated illiterate population by county and metropolitan area. Also included are descriptions of current Ohio literacy efforts that are sponsored by the following public and private organizations: schools; community colleges and universities; businesses and industries; social service agencies; corrections/rehabilitation agencies; Adult Basic Education (ABE); churches; newspapers; immigration services; professional associations; local government; literacy networks/councils; and libraries. Descriptions of funding programs from state, local, and private foundations are provided in addition to a funding summary of Title I and VI grants awarded by the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) since 1986. (15 references) (MAB)