According to the 1993 National Literacy Survey, approximately 44 million Americans have poor literacy skills, which adversely affects their performance and success in the job market and other areas of everyday life. Literacy skills, such as reading memos and emails or typing letters and reports, are needed for a range of office-related tasks and to enable successful business transactions. People who work outside of office environments also require literacy skills. For example, cab drivers and truck drivers need to read signs and maps, doctors and nurses must update medical records, and factory workers may need to read work-related notices and fill in time sheets.
People with limited literacy skills may avoid leisure time reading activities, such as reading newspapers, magazines, novels and reference books. However, people who engage only in non-reading or physical activities during their leisure time may also require some degree of literacy. For example, when joining a gym or sports club, it is necessary to complete questionnaires and application forms. Enjoyment of a soccer game or basketball game requires at least the basic ability to read names of teams and scores. Watching movies and television programs may not require sophisticated literacy skills. However, written text and subtitles are sometimes included during movies and television programs and if left unread, may hinder and reduce the viewer's understanding and enjoyment.
Literacy skills are necessary for the completion of many everyday household management tasks, such as shopping and paying bills and the organization of medical checks, dental checks and vacation activities. Shopping and cooking requires skills such as reading labels, purchase receipts, recipes and measurements. Patients need to read medical information leaflets and must read and complete consent forms and payment forms. Householders need to read the bills that they receive and check the accuracy of readings such as for telephone use and electricity consumption. Children regularly bring home information from school in the form of letters and notices for their parents to read. School-aged children may also require parental help with homework.
When planning to travel, people may need to read information about the journey or destination that is presented on a computer or in a brochure. For example, travelers often read descriptions about the region they are planning to visit and the accommodations available in that area. Travelers also need to read timetables for train journeys and flights, while even a simple journey by road requires route planning that involves reading maps and road signs.