This paper is a research proposal for the development of a process model which addresses several of the fundamental questions involved in the community needs assessment process used as a prelude to program development by the community adult education program planner. The questions of what information should be gathered, where this information is stored, and how it can be retrieved from the community are considered. The model focuses on the assessment of human needs and consists of three basic components: (1) a framework component, which develops a classification schema for human needs, (2) an indicator component, which determines what information should be collected within the constraints of the classification schema, and (3) an information collection component, which elaborates sources of and retrieval strategies for those indicators selected. Three basic concepts--need, community, and model--which are central to the entire research intent are discussed in detail. An 8-step research procedure, utilizing an extensive and critical review of the literature, which will be used to develop the model is presented. A proposed dissertation outline and a 2-page reference list are included. (WL)