The prospects for disseminating research to the field of adult basic education and literacy (ABE&L) were assessed by interviewing about 60 ABE&L decision makers and practitioners from 10 different states about their work and information needs. The decision makers set ABE&L policy in states or regions and/or supervised teachers and other staff. The practitioners worked with learners directly through volunteer, part-time, or full-time teaching positions. The interviews established that ABE&L educators seeking to access research and information that would improve their practice face huge structural constraints. However, professional development was high on most interviewees' list of priorities, and provisions for professional development were found in each state examined. Practitioners and decision makers saw a need for both policy-oriented and learner-centered studies. It was recommended that the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy take the following actions to improve the situation regarding dissemination of research to ABE&L: (1) identify, train, and support people who can work with ABE&L decision makers and practitioners in each state; (2) advocate for increased funding for the field and the relevance, practicality, and value of ABE&L's knowledge base; and (3) ensure that funds for dissemination and advocacy do not compete with research funds. (MN)