Meet one-on-one
with a reference librarian
We can help you:
Find or narrow a paper topic,
locate appropriate sources,
and more.
Email refdesk@augsburg.edu for an appointment
Librarian
Biographical Resources
Studying an important name in the field of Social Work? Start your search with these resources.
Some of these books are older, but that's okay for history and biography.
Be sure to check them for bibliographies — lists of citations for other books and articles — to find more information.
If you can't find what you're looking for, or need more than the resources here, you can:
- Search our collection for books, articles, videos, and more.
- Use a specialized journal database to find scholarly articles.
- Academic Search Premiere and Social Services Abstracts are good places to look.
- Set up an appointment with a librarian for research help.
Online Sources
- Encyclopedia of Social Work This link opens in a new windowHundreds of overview articles on social work topics ranging from international issues to ethical standards. Published by the National Association of Social Workers.
- Social Work Pioneers – National Association of Social Workers FoundationFind biographies of famous and lesser-known contributors to the social work field, whether through service, teaching, research, program development, administration, or legislation.
- Social Welfare History Project - Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVCU site to help the public understand and appreciate the history of social reform and social welfare services that have strengthened the fabric of American society.
Print Sources
Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary Completing the Twentieth Century by Call Number: Reference CT3260 .N5725 2004A general work on influential American women, this book has a number of substantive essays on social workers that merge their personal lives with their professional achievements.
Encyclopedia of Women Social Reformers by Call Number: Reference HQ1236 .R29 2001 v. 1–2Explore the profiles of over 400 women social reformers from around the world who advocated for a variety of issues, including child welfare, education, prison reform, and more.
Biographical Dictionary of Social Welfare in America by Call Number: Reference HV27 .B57 1986Find concise biographies on notable Americans in the fields of welfare, public and mental health, social insurance, and child welfare.
American Reformers by Call Number: Reference CT215 .A67 1985Find concise biographies on American reformers, women and men, in varied fields throughout history.
Encyclopedia of Social Welfare History in North America by Call Number: Reference HV12 .E497 2005This book details important events in social welfare history, with a look at distinctions and similarities among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Encyclopedia of Activism and Social Justice by Call Number: Reference HM671 .E53 2007 v. 1–3Investigate the topics, ideas, and influential leaders that motivate and shape the fields of activism, civil engagement, and social justice.
Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and Social Welfare by Call Number: Reference HV40 .C635 2008 v. 1–4v. 1, ch. 1: The History of Social Work and Social Welfare
v. 1, ch. 8: Child Welfare: Historical Trends, Professionalization, and Workforce Issues
v. 1, ch. 16: International Social Work