This document consists of an overview and five papers examining the findings of a comparative analysis of literacy practices in urban and rural Australian communities. The study included case studies of 23 families in 6 communities and documentation of the literacy practices within the 9 schools attended by the children of those families. Presented first is an overview of the methods and results of the case studies, which were conducted to identify the following: similarities/differences in literacy practices between urban and rural communities; possible influences of variations in language background and social class on literacy practices; and similarities/differences in literacy practices between home and school. The following papers, which are all based on information gathered during the case studies, constitute the remainder of the document: "Doing Case Studies" (Mari Rhydwen); "Literacy Practices in Urban and Rural Communities" (Judith Rivalland); "Language Diversity and Literacy Practices" (Caroline Barratt-Pugh); "Social Class and Family Literacy Practices" (William Louden); and "Home and School Literacy Practices" (Mary Rohl). Each paper contains references. (MN)