Social Work Guide: Background Information

What is a reference source? 

• A reference source is a resource that is used to uncover a specific fact or piece of information.  Reference tools are generally not intended to be read sequentially or cover-to-cover.
• Reference sources contain specific facts, definitions, overviews, background information and citations to other relevant resources.
• Reference sources are helpful in narrowing a topic.
• Reference sources provide definitions of concepts.
• Reference sources include encyclopedias, dictionaries, biographies, bibliographies, handbooks, atlases, maps, and thesauri.
• Reference sources are a great place to start research!
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• Encyclopedia of Social Work
  Ready Reference  HV35.S6 2008
• Social Policy and Social Work
  Ready Reference HV41.D445 1998 
• Social Work Almanac
  Ready Reference HV90.G53 1995
• The Social Work Dictionary
  Ready Reference HV12.B37 2003 
• Social Work Speaks:  NASW Policy Statements
  Ready Reference HV88.N118 2003
• Social Workers Desk Reference
  Ready Reference HV40.S6464 2002