This paper attempts to provide a coherent conceptual framework for the dissemination efforts of the Research and Development Center. It distinguishes three quite different ways in which the term, "dissemination", is used: 1) spread of information to a receptive audience; 2) the effort to induce large-scale change by a wide variety of activities; and 3) intensive effort to transmit skills and approaches to selected groups of practitioners. The paper then discusses briefly where the Center stands with regard to the importance of the activities encompassed in each usage, and indicates where current Center dissemination projects fall within the described framework. (Author/CH)