This handbook, a how-to-do-it summary, explains the needs assessment in adult education programs. It contains workshop materials necessary for developing an organized needs assessment. Needs assessment, a systematic method of identifying what needs to be done in a given area, is operationally analyzed according to symptoms, problems, diagnosis, assessment, proposed solutions, implementations, evaluations, and deeper levels of needs assessment. The workshop materials, presented in seven sections, are designed to help adult educators achieve seven basic outcomes: (1) develop a working knowledge of the needs assessment process, (2) develop a working knowledge of the community overview process, (3) organize a basic structure for community survey instruments, (4) organize a time line and flowchart for the local community, (5) incorporate data into program planning, (6) measure impact in a variety of ways, and (7) design program objectives for a specific community. Definitions, "nuts and bolts," and other types of general/specific information are included in these guidelines. For objective 6, measuring impact, a participant questionnaire is provided. In conclusion, a seven-column program needs assessment is presented, comprised of the following areas: need, state handbook, advisory board, delivery system, resource guide, training workshops, and data system. Each area is analyzed by purpose, type of producers, audience, and occurrence frequency. (CSS)