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General Reference Sources
If you're having a hard time getting ideas for your paper topic or you need to look up basic information about a particular area of Social Work, try looking at one of the reference works listed below. Dictionaries and encyclopedias provide concise, detailed, scholarly descriptions theories, issues, methods, and more. Use them for background information and to find effective search terms for online databases.
The sources in this section contain information about all areas of Social Work and are often the best sources available. Use them as a starting point for research into any topic.
If you need more information or another viewpoint, try one of the more specific resources listed by subject further down the page.
- Encyclopedia of Social Work This link opens in a new windowThis superb resource, now online and continuously updated, is a great place to start investigating all aspects of social work: social policy and history, practice and interventions, social environments, key thinkers, and social conditions and challenges. It's also a great place to begin a literature search, providing targeted keywords for particular subjects.
- DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)The DSM is the most widely used diagnostic tool in the United States for mental disorders. Used by practitioners and scholars in fields like psychology, social work, and medicine. It provides the criteria to diagnose a patient with a specific mental disorder. The current edition is the DSM-5 published in May 2013. (Accessed through Psychiatry Online.)
- Wilder Research ReportsThe Wilder Foundation produces research reports on many areas related to health and human services, including:
- Criminal Justice & Violence Prevention
- Early Childhood
- Education
- Health
- Housing and Homelessness
- Mental Health
- Older Adults
- The Urban InstituteThe Urban Institute conducts research to foster sound public policy. Check out their reports and fact sheets by topic and their handy Policy Jargon Decorder, a glossary of common policy terms, legislation, and acronyms.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowThis is a good source for policy and statistics. CQ Researcher has a "pro/con" category (see the link on the left-hand side) for all its articles.
Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and Social Welfare by Call Number: Reference HV40 .C635 2008 v. 1–4Your go-to source for in-depth discussions, here you can find the basics of the profession (v. 1); theory (v. 2); assessment, intervention, and specific populations (v. 3); and social policy (v. 4).
Encyclopedia of Social Work with Groups by Call Number: Reference HV45 .E53 2009Find a comprehensive overview of different group work approaches, working with specific populations and ages, and more.
Encyclopedia of Canadian Social Work by Call Number: Reference HV12 .C36 2005Explore hundreds of diverse social work and welfare topics in the Canadian context.
Encyclopedia of Counseling by Call Number: Reference BF636.54 .E53 2008 v. 1–4Find a comprehensive overview of the major theories, approaches, and contemporary issues in counseling. Volume 3 in particular focuses on cross-cultural issues.
Encyclopedia of Human Development by Call Number: Reference HM626 .E53 2006 v. 1–3Learn about the physical, social, psychological, cognitive, and emotional development of humans, with several entries on families, parenting, and infancy.
International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences by Call Number: Reference H40.A2 I5 2008 v. 1–9This enormous set covers all aspects of the social sciences. See the articles on "Social Issues and Policy" in v. 1, p. CXLIX for places to start.
Aging and Gerontology
- AARP Research CenterThe AARP helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives. Find policy briefs and fact sheets on a variety of topics as well as a number of surveys and statistics.
The Encyclopedia of Elder Care: the Comprehensive Resource on Geriatric and Social Care by Call Number: View Ebook Reference RC954 .E53 2008Find practical, multidisciplinary information on the care of older adults, including social services, nursing homes, health promotion, and more. Entries include website listings for further reading.
Encyclopedia of Gerontology by Call Number: Reference RC952.5 .E58 2007 v. 1–2Find in-depth discussions on all aspects of aging, including biological, behavioral, social, and environmental considerations. Entries have in-text glossaries, further readings, and websites of interest.
Encyclopedia of Health and Aging by Call Number: Reference RA777.6 .E534 2007With international and cultural coverage, this book presents facts and research on various aspects of health and aging.
Children and Families
- Office of Justice Programs A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public SafetyMinnesota’s Statistical Analysis Center (MNSAC) supports Minnesota’s policy-makers and leaders by providing thorough and accurate data analysis and research on all aspects of the criminal justice system. This information assists policy makers at all levels to identify emerging critical issues and to improve the effectiveness of Minnesota's justice system.
- America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-BeingFind this annual report from the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics.
International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family by Call Number: View Ebook Reference HQ9 .E52 2003 v. 1–4Find comprehensive overviews on diverse marriage and family lifestyle topics around the world.
Encyclopedia of Adoption by Call Number: Reference HV875.55 .A28 2007This book covers key issues related to domestic and international adoptions, including legislation, tax issues, medical and psychological issues faced by some children, and more.
Family Abuse and Violence: A Social Problems Perspective by Call Number: Third Level HV6626.2 .M55 2007Integrating theory with empirical evidence, this book covers inter- and intragenerational forms of family abuse and violence.
Handbook for Child Protection Practice by Call Number: Third Level HV6626.52 .H36 2000Find information on a wide variety of child protection issues, including reporting and screening, neglect, physical and sexual abuse, intervention, and legal and ethical issues.
Encyclopedia of Domestic Violence and Abuse by Call Number: Reference HV 6626 .E535 2013 v. 1 & 2
Youth Services
- UNICEFUNICEF advocates for children's rights worldwide. Learn about programs and read publications on topics ranging from child protection and education to health and immunization.
- Children's Defense FundThe CDF is a national proponent of policies and programs that provide children with the resources they need to succeed. Find publications on a wide variety of topics and other child advocacy resources.
School Social Work: Skills and Interventions for Effective Practice by Call Number: View EbookLearn about the foundations of school social work practice with practical student-based and school-based interventions.
Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy through Adolescence by Call Number: View EbookFind a wide range of topics related to the physical, cognitive, and behavioral development of children.
Handbook of Preventive Interventions for Children and Adolescents by Call Number: Reference RJ101 .H16 2004Find prevention interventions for children and adolescents encountering emotional, health, and social problems.
Disabilities
- National Center for Learning DisabilitiesDiscover learning disability basics and find related policy, newsletters and guides, and position papers.
- Annual Disability Statistics CompendiumAn annual compilation of disability statistics from a variety of sources, published by the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire.
Encyclopedia of Special Education: A Reference for the Education of Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Disabilities and Other Exceptional Individuals by Call Number: View Ebook Reference LC4007 .E53 2007 v. 1–3Use this comprehensive set to find overviews and related resources on special education topics, including descriptions of conditions, interventions, and much more.
Alphabet Kids from ADD to Zellweger Syndrome: A Guide to Developmental, Neurobiological and Psychological Disorders for Parents and Professionals by Call Number: View Ebook Reference RJ506.B44 W65 2009This book covers 70 childhood disorders and their signs, symptoms, causes, cures, treatments, and prognoses.
Empowering People with Severe Mental Illness: A Practical Guide by Call Number: View Ebook Third Level HV3006.A4 L56 2006Find historical overviews, practical examples, and step-by-step instructions for guidance in empowering people with mental illness.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals by Call Number: Reference RJ506.A9 A92377 2007 v. 1–2Find facts about disabilities, interventions, assessments, trusted internet resources, and national organizations.
Health and Mental Health
- Medline Plus – Mental HealthFind links to basic overviews on mental health conditions and disorders, symptoms, treatment, research, and statistics, all from trusted medical organizations.
- National Institute of Mental HealthFind booklets and fact sheets on a variety of mental health topics, including depression, panic and anxiety disorders, suicide prevention, and more.
Family Health Social Work Practice by
Call Number: View EbookFind strategies for assessing and treating families with an emphasis on ecological contexts: the neighborhood, community, and other larger social systems.
The Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Health by Call Number: Reference RC437 .G36 2008 v. 1–2Find a wide range of mental health topics and disorders, including definitions, demographics, treatment, prevention, and more, with resources and organizations for further inquiry.
Encyclopedia of Psychology by Call Number: Reference BF31 .E52 2000 v. 1–8Find a comprehensive look at psychology topics. The outline of contents at the back of volume 8 is particularly helpful. See "Social Issues and Problems" in v. 8, p. 364.
The Mental Measurements Yearbook by Call Number: Reference BF176 .M466This annual yearbook helps professionals evaluate, select, and use standardized tests for education, vocation, personality, development, intelligence, behavior, and more.
Immigrants and Refugees
- A New Age of immigrants: Making Immigration Work for Minnesota (2010)A report that summarizes work by the Wilder Foundation that analyzed Minnesota's immigrant communities.
- Refugee Topics – Minnesota Department of HealthFind resources on topics related to refugee health in Minnesota, including refugee social services and mental health.
Immigration and Asylum: from 1900 to the Present by Call Number: View Ebook Reference JV6012 .I56 2005 v. 1–3Examine the history and current status of immigrants and refugees around the world.
Immigration in U.S. History by Call Number: Reference JV6450 .I565 2006 v. 1–2Find information on various immigrant groups and policies from the early 17th century to the present.
Best practices for Social Work with Refugees and Immigrants by Call Number: Third Level HV4010 .P67 2002Find best practices and policy considerations for working with refugees and immigrants.
Encyclopedia of Human Rights by Call Number: Reference JC571 .E673 2009 v. 1–5Need background on refugee groups? Covering movements, events, key figures, major organizations, and more, this encyclopedia set explores all aspects of human rights theory, practice, law, and history.
Multiculturalism
Encyclopedia of Race and Ethnic Studies by Call Number: View EbookFind key terms, concepts, cases, events, and historical and contemporary figures in this book on race and ethnic relations.
Multicultural Social Work Practice by Call Number: View EbookISBN: 9781118551110Publication Date: 2016
Encyclopedia of Multicultural Psychology by Call Number: Reference GN502 .E63 2006Find thorough overviews of psychology topics related to racial, ethnic, and minority groups in the United States.
APA Handbook of Multicultural Psychology by Call Number: Reference BF57 .A63 2014 v.1 & 2
Poverty and Homelessness
- National Center for Children in PovertyThe NCCP is the nation’s leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children. Find fact sheets and briefs on child poverty, children's mental health, and more.
Encyclopedia of Homelessness by Call Number: Reference HV4493 .E53 2004 v. 1–2This set covers various aspects of homelessness in the U.S. and internationally: causes, policies and programs, health and social services, and much more.
Homelessness Handbook by Call Number: 3rd Level HV4493 .H68 2007This easy-to-read handbook is packed with information on homelessness and includes a short entry on Minneapolis and St. Paul (p. 346-349).
Poverty in the United States: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, and Policy by Call Number: Reference HC110.P6 P598 2004 v. 1–2This book contains essays on the history of poverty along with hundreds of entries on concepts, issues, movements, and policy.
Child Poverty in America Today by Call Number: Reference HV741 .C4875 2007 v. 1–4Find essays discussing various aspects of children living in poverty, including family context, health and medical care, education, and policy and legislation.
Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Alcohol & Drug Information – SAMHSAFind information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration by drug type, issue, and audience or group. Click the title of the item you want; most can be downloaded as free PDFs.
- National Institute on Drug AbuseFind drug information, resources for treatment and prevention, and more.
- APA Addiction Syndrome Handbook byCall Number: Lower Level Oversize HV 5801 .A624 2012 v.1 & 2Volume 1 of this set covers the background and history of addiction, as well as influences and expressions of addiction. Volume 2 discusses recovery and prevention.
Encyclopedia of Drugs, Alcohol and Addictive Behavior by Call Number: Reference HV5804 .E53 2009 v. 1–4Find hundreds of entries on drug and addiction topics, including policy, treatment, and descriptions of cross-national and cross-cultural approaches.
Concepts of Chemical Dependency by Call Number: Lower Level RC564 .D68 2002Find comprehensive coverage on chemical dependency issues, including descriptions of drugs and other substances, use by specific groups, interventions, treatment, and more.
Ethnocultural Factors in Substance Abuse Treatment by Call Number: Lower Level RC564 .E785 2001Explore the potentially relevant factors of racial and ethnic backgrounds in substance abuse occurrence and its effective treatment.