Ways that population trends, societal pressures, and changing economic conditions affect learning needs are addressed. Small and large colleges are given information to help them evaluate their missions, chart new directions, and make necessary adaptations in their curricula. The three issues addressed are the theoretical formulation of the problems higher education faces, the practical analysis and planning strategies offered as a means of helping colleges and universities meet the challenges from a learning society, and extensive examples of how institutions are successfully dealing with these questions now. Twelve chapters look at the following: the increasing demand for learning opportunities; how societal forces affect learning needs; how higher education can contribute in a learning society; planning for change: an institutional approach; reconsidering the institution's mission and charting new directions; meeting the curriculum needs of new learners; diversifying instructional methods and approaches; exploring alternative degree formats; strengthening the institution's public service role; revamping student services for new learners; changing roles for faculty; and how higher education can thrive in a learning society. Contains 173 references. (SM)