This monograph presents articles and materials which examine the relevant theoretical literature pertaining to career counseling services for adults. It reviews alternative ways to deliver career guidance to adults and identifies a set of researchable issues. The two articles in section 1, The Context, address the historical development of people and work and look at key policy considerations affecting adult career/occupational services. Section 2, The Theories, consolidates and examines pertinent adult and career development theories. A terse, basic explanation of major ideas of key theorists is made. Another article discusses basic themes, theoretical issues, and interrelationships. An article follows that aims to improve current constructs for understanding adult career development. Section 3, The Clients, explores the known and potential recipients of career guidance. Following an article which discusses ways to think of special populations is a series of descriptions of the unique characteristics of some special adult groups--women, minorities, mid-life career changers, pre-retired and retired, marginal workers, criminal offenders, and disabled workers. Section 4, The Programs describes documented adult career guidance needs and programs being offered to meet them. Several articles focus on key issues of delivering services to adults, such as staffing and evaluation. (YLB)