This report reviews the research needs related to learning in the years beyond the age of compulsory schooling. The first of three sections provides a research overview and suggests research needs. The review is organized around three perspectives: learners, providers, and the societal context. It is stated that much early research focussed on those who had not acquired basic skills; more recently there has been increased attention to learning as an integral part of all adults' lives. Section 2 proposes a matrix to depict a framework for organizing research on lifelong learning. It is recommended that research focus on four basic areas: adult learners, providers of learning opportunities, the societal context in which lifelong learning occurs, and the interactions of learners, providers, and society. The final section proposes an agenda for research. A few of the examples include (1) learner research focusing on needs that may be met through lifelong learning, (2) provider research focusing on characteristics of institutions and individual providers that may influence adults' participation in and benefiting from learning opportunities, (3) societal research focusing on the impact of lifelong learning on society, and (4) interactive research focusing on ways providers and learners interact to facilitate lifelong learning. (CSS)