Research Guides: Social Work: Organizations / Reference

Background and Reference

Background contents are found in textbooks, encyclopedias, handbooks, manuals, bibliographies, and other reference sources, as well as listed on course syllabi. In addition to using Library Search, browse Social Work and related textbooks at E-Textbooks at Temple University Libraries.

Understanding Micro, Mezzo and Macro Social Work Practice

Source: NASW Understanding Micro, Mezzo and Macro Social Work Practice

Very Short Introductions This link opens in a new window
Very Short Introductions offer concise introductions to a diverse range of subjects, written by experts in the field who combine facts, analysis, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make challenging topics highly readable. Our subscription includes the Very Short Introduction to Social Work, as well as the volumes for Ageing, Racism, and other social work-relevant topics.
Encyclopedia of Social Work This link opens in a new window
Concurrent user limit: 1
Encyclopedia of Social Work is a collaboration between the National Association of Social Workers (NASW Press) and Oxford University Press (OUP). This resource provides articles on topics ranging from international issues to ethical standards.

Tip: The above link provides browsing by subject. The 20th edition (2008) can also be browsed and searched on Oxford Reference Library (unlimited users) by A to Z entries. Use the "Search within work" box to look up terms and phrases.
To get a sense of the structure and organization, view a full listing of A to Z entries on the NASW Press site.

Encyclopedia of Macro Social Work
Concurrent user limit: 1
The Encyclopedia of Macro Social Work updates and expands upon all of the macro content in the Encyclopedia of Social Work. Articles cover macro practice methods (organizations, community, policy); macro theories, concepts, ideologies, problems; and contexts relating to macro social work.

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
CQ Researcher provides single-issue reports, written by experienced journalists, that are footnoted and professionally fact-checked. The reports offer in-depth, unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the economy. Each article has a consistent organization that includes an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con debate, and resources for additional research.
Social Work Online This link opens in a new window
Access guaranteed through May 2027
Social Work Online pairs recently published social work textbooks along with compelling documentaries clinical demonstration videos, and engaging lectures that illustrate the complex and challenging realities social work students will face as practitioners.
Oxford Scholarship Online (OSO) This link opens in a new window
Oxford Scholarship Online is a cross-searchable library containing the full text of important scholarly books from Oxford University Press. Oxford Scholarship Online includes both classic and newly-published works in the humanities and social sciences. Temple subscribes to titles in the Biology, Business, Classics, Economics, History, Law, Linguistics, Literature, Math, Music, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Health, Religion, and Social Work subject-area collections.
Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new window
Concurrent user limit: 12 users on the platform
Oxford Reference Online includes subject and language reference sources from Oxford University Press, including many titles from the Oxford Companions Series. Browse or search single titles, specific subject areas, or the entire collection.
Oxford English Dictionary This link opens in a new window
Is useful for looking up synonyms

Grand challenges for social work and society
Publication Date: 2018
The grand challenges are an effort address 12 major challenges for American society with innovative, evidence-informed, and socially-focused approaches. Challenges include homelessness, major health disparities, family violence, social isolation, climate change, massive incarceration, extreme economic inequality, unequal opportunity and justice, and long productive lives.
The Social Work Dictionary 6th edition
Publication Date: 2014
A Dictionary of Social Work and Social Care (2 ed.) by Oxford University Press
Publication Date: 2018
Covering social work theories, methods, policies, organizations, and statutes, as well as key terms from interdisciplinary topics such as health and education. It also provides extended entries on specialisms such as children and families, domestic violence, and residential care. Useful appendices include a glossary of acronyms and a Table of Legislation, Regulations, and Codes of Practice.
Social Workers' Desk Reference (E-book)
Publication Date: 2015
Print book
A comprehensive guide to social work practice providing the most recent conceptual knowledge and empirical evidence to aid in the understanding of the rapidly changing field of social work.
SAGE Handbook of Social Work (E-book)
Publication Date: 2012
Provides an authoritative guide to the theory, method, and values of social work.
Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and Social Welfare (Print book)
Publication Date: 2008
4 volumes: v.1. The profession of social work - v.2. Human behavior in the social environment - v.3. Social work practice - v.4. Social policy and policy practice
Encyclopedia of Social Welfare History in North America
Publication Date: 2004-12-15
This book provides basic information about the history of social welfare in North America, including Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Significant events, influential people, legislation, social problems, and societal responses are described in detail.
Encyclopedia of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery
Publication Date: 2008
The scope includes behavioral addictions such as eating disorders, gambling and compulsive shopping.
Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice by Sherwood Thompson
Publication Date: 2014-01-01

More Social Work reference books
We have many other reference, handbooks, and guidebooks about special topics, practices, and client populations in social work. Add a term for topic, problem, population group, practice or treatment, to get specialized encyclopedias on each, such as family, homelessness, domestic violence.

Governmental Agencies

National Level

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHS is a cabinet-level department whose mission is “to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans...by providing for effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services.” Through its Office of Refugee Resettlement, it assists immigrants of “special humanitarian concern” and provides care for unaccompanied children who have been apprehended by DHS.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
includes Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, Center for Global Health and over 10 more.
United States Government Manual
Information on agencies of the legislative, judicial and executive branches. Also includes information on international organizations in which the United States participates, boards, commissions and committees.

State and Local Levels

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Services for low income families, children, and individuals with disabilities. Information, forms, and online applications for a variety of social services and programs.
Philadelphia Health and Human Services
DHS works with a variety of partners and programs to support children and families in Philadelphia
Search for a Philadelpia department or agency

Associations and Networks

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
The NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

Download "Undoing Racism Through Social Work"

NASW Press

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
The CSWE is the national association representing social work education in the United States. Its members include over 800 accredited baccalaureate and master’s degree social work programs, as well as individual social work educators, practitioners, and agencies dedicated to advancing quality social work education.

CSWE Press

Clinical Social Workers Association
The CSWA mission is to represent, protect, and amplify the voices of clinical social workers as we strive to create a just, healthy, and inclusive society.
Society for Social Work and Research
National Association of Black Social Workers
International Federation of Social Workers
Association of Social Work Boards
ASWB is the nonprofit organization composed of the social work regulatory boards and colleges of all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and all 10 Canadian provinces. ASWB owns and maintains the social work licensing examinations.

Search for more social work related associations, welfare, special interest and advocacy organizations with Gale Directory Library. For example, search "Social Work" or "Homeless" in the Encyclopedia of Associations: National Organizations of the U.S. and filter by State and Subject Category.

Gale Directory Library This link opens in a new window
Gale Directory Library provides full-text, searchable access to Encyclopedia of Associations: International Organizations and Encyclopedia of Associations: National Organizations of the US. Users can also sort and export data from the directories.

Temple University

University Libraries

See all library locations

Need help? Email us at asktulibrary@temple.edu