As part of the activities of the ConocoPhillips-NSERC-AERI Chair in Tight Gas Engineering established in the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department at the University of Calgary, a comprehensive literature review has been conducted that has led to an understanding of the current status of the study of tight gas sand formations. This paper presents the results of that work, concentrating initially on Canadian and U.S. tight gas sands. The literature survey discussed in this paper is the first part of the mission-oriented research on tight gas reservoirs conducted at the University of Calgary. The planned research looks at refining the resource base and recoveries from tight gas formations in Canada. Evaluating the current status of geologic models, reservoir characterization, recovery and production technologies currently available for these types of formations is the first step in the effort to reach the final goal: finding the economic means of producing as much of this gas as possible. It is expected that the research results will prove to be of value in other parts of the world and will be exportable, creating business opportunities for Canadian companies. The program will also result in a supply of highly qualified professionals having significant knowledge of tight gas formations.