There are a number of valuable tools for use in collecting the information required in a community assessment. The kind of information obtainable through these tools varies considerably. Some tools facilitate the collection of quan-titative data, whereas others provide qualitative data. It is important to note that no one method is likely to provide the full range of information needed in a community assessment. Rather, the kind of information provided by these methods is likely to be complementary; thus, use of multiple methods is warranted. As a general rule, quantitative methods facilitate a description of the extent of social phenomena, whereas qualitative methods facilitate the exploration of the underlying rationale of attitudes and behaviors (Chu, 1994). If the community assessment is to move beyond describing an area to understanding that area and its related issues of concern, some in depth, qualitative methods must be used. In this way, the issues raised and their contributing factors can be explored (Baum, 1995). Regardless of the tools ultimately chosen, it is important to have people with expertise in the available assessment methods on either the project team or the steering committee.