Because the concept of staff development has generated considerable interest in community colleges nationwide, and many educators are engaged in its implementation, this handbook was prepared as a comprehensive survey of essential topics in planning, implementing, and evaluating staff development programs. The handbook, focusing on in-service education, is divided into six chapters and four appendices. Chapter 1 deals with definitions, purposes, and rationale of staff development; Chapter 2 reviews some of the more persistent questions raised about planning and implementing a program for full-time staff; and Chapter 3 describes various means to determine staff needs. In Chapter 4, the unique needs of part-time faculty are delineated, while Chapter 5 discusses program evaluation. Chapter 6 represents views on key elements essential to effective programs. Appendix A includes a useful format for a staff development questionnaire; Appendices B and C illustrate different needs survey instruments and interview questions; and Appendix D lists possible topics to be included in a needs assessment query. A practitioner's bibliography and a list of references follow the appendices. (Author/TR)