Use this Topical Overview/Reference Works page to locate works with overarching themes and topical introductions
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- SP2 Library Research Basics (videostreams)Brief online videos demonstrating how to locate fulltext without hitting paywalls, how to find reference works and identify books in the Penn Libraries collections, and tips for searching databases to find journal articles, including literature reviews.
Recommended Reference Databases
- Oxford Bibliographies : Social WorkAnnotated bibliographies (several authored by Penn SP2 faculty) on topics in social work. Topical clusters covered : Field of practice; Foundation knowledge; Methods/Perspectives; Population group; Principles/Ideologies; Social problems; Social sectors/Social processes; Social welfare policies and programs; Social work profession, with links to Penn Libraries holdings. Other relevant Oxford Bibliographies Online subject collections include : African American Studies, Childhood Studies, Criminology, Education, Latino Studies, Psychology, Public Health, Sociology, and Urban Studies.
- Sage KnowledgeSocial Science platform for searching reference materials within Sage
- Social Work Reference CenterDesigned for clinical professionals dedicated to improving patient quality of life, this resource offers browsable categories including diseases and conditions, practices and skills, assessment tools, drugs, patient education, practice guidelines, statutes and regulations, current legislation, and continuing education
- CQ ResearcherRetrieve reports on contemporary social issues. Each report includes a historical overview and chronology of important legal cases and laws.
- Annual ReviewsA fulltext e-journal collection, with all titles starting, "Annual Review of ...". Articles are lengthy literature reviews.
- Gale Virtual Reference LibraryGale's ebook delivery platform for reference works
- Opposing ViewpointsPresents a range of resources (news, stats, articles, etc) connected to contemporary and controversial issues
Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
- Encyclopedia of Social WorkOnline.National Association of Social Workers (NASW Press) and Oxford University Press, 2013-present (monthly updates).
The classic reference work for the field, kept up-to-date. Earlier editions remain valuable for their frequency, providing snapshots over time that together describe policy evolution. See print copies:
• Encyclopedia of social work. 15th ed-20th ed, with annual supplements. NASW Press, 1965-2008.
• Social work year book. Russell Sage Foundation, 1929-1960. - Social Workers' Desk Reference, 4th ed.Online. Oxford University Press, 2022. Short chapters that make up this comprehensive guide to social work practice, covering social worker roles, functions, and fields, on values, ethics, and licensing standards, theoretical foundations and treatment approaches, assessment, and working with specific populations.
Handbooks
Handbooks contain concise overview essays on theory, research methods, instruction, or established research.
- APA Handbooks in Psychology SeriesOverviews and in-depth analyses of a variety of sub-fields within psychology. Published by American Psychological Association.
- Oxford Handbooks OnlineMore succinct treatments of specific subjects.
- Routledge Handbooks Online (RHO)Coverage of 23 subject areas including Sociology, Linguistics, Education.
- Comprehensive handbook of social work and social welfare4 volumes. Wiley, 2008.
Vol. 1, The profession of social work.
Vol. 2, Human behavior in the social environment.
Vol. 3, Social work practice.
Vol. 4, The profession of social work.
Reference Works for Diagnoses
- Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders [electronic resource] : DSM-5.DSM-5 is used by health professionals, social workers, and forensic and legal specialists to diagnose and classify mental disorders. The criteria are concise and explicit, intended to facilitate an objective assessment of symptom presentations in a variety of clinical settings- inpatient, outpatient, partial hospital, consultation-liaison, clinical, private practice, and primary care.
- Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders : DSM-5 (print)There are non-circulating copies at Van Pelt Library and the Holman Biotech Commons.
- CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry, 2eThis book emphasizes the practical features of clinical diagnosis and patient management. This is the chapter on Psychiatry.
- Kaplan & Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry (9th edition)Known as "CTP," this thorough text on all aspects of mental health covers psychotherapies, biological therapies, child psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and cognitive disorders.