A survey of attitudes toward extension programs in Carroll, Chariton and Saline counties, Missouri was conducted to serve as a basis for comparison for later study of the effectiveness of these programs. Extension clientele were surveyed concerning the extent to which the present programs were meeting their needs and expectations and their attitudes toward the change to area programming and area agent staff specialization. Usable responses to the six-page questionnaire for clientele totaled 391. A shorter questionnaire was used to determine the feelings of agents on specialization. Findings included: (1) the shift to area agent specialization has created slight problems in contacting agents; (2) 5 percent were dissatisfied with programs, 35 percent were satisfied, and 60 percent were neutral; (3) nearly all were in favor of working with youth groups other than 4-H; (4) 50 percent were in agreement with agent specialization--not considered a mandate in favor of the change; (5) people want a part in deciding program direction; and (6) role ambiguity and value conflict among agents as a result of agent specialization is widespread. (KM)