This paper examines services that link the adult learner's interests to the learning resources of the society. Two sets of research studies are used as a background for analyzing needs and services. The first set of studies consists of thirty state and national surveys or needs assessments of "learners,""would-be," or "potential learners." The second set of studies consists of investigations into the self-directed learning activities of adults. The author attempts to integrate the findings of both sets of research. A third resource which is examined consists of more than forty sets of recommendations for program implementation. In supplying the missing link between learner interest and learning resources the author focuses on three general areas: (1) facilitating access to appropriate learning resources, a process that includes access for underserved groups and advocacy for the special needs of adult learners; (2) providing information to adult learners about available learning resources and about themselves and their strengths and weaknesses, and (3) providing counseling and referral services designed to assist learners in planning, and matching learner needs to appropriate learning resources. Appendixes contain a bibliography of recommendations for lifelong learning and a classification of recommendations by topic addressed. (CSS)