This literature review was designed to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview and a better understanding of the focus of recent educational needs assessment studies at all levels of education. Few needs assessment studies are similar in terms of the subject matter assessed or the techniques of data gathering. For the purposes of this paper, the multitude of needs assessment studies are grouped into five categories: (1) goals setting and long-range planning; (2) student characteristics and follow-up studies; (3) occupational needs assessment; (4) facilities design and educational innovation; and (5) curriculum evaluation and resource allocation. Conclusions indicate that much of the assessment of educational programs has been based on qualitative rather than quantitative instruments of evaluation. Evaluation is often a means of placating a funding agency rather than a vital instrument of policy determination and curriculum planning. However, community needs assessment is an inevitable process that will become an integral part in educational planning--indeed, in all areas of socioeconomic planning. An extensive bibliography is appended. (Author/DC)