The purpose of this course research guide is to acquaint you with some of the resources in the University Library useful for finding information on your topic. Should you have questions, stop by the Reference Desk on the first floor. You may also call the Reference Desk at (334) 229-4110 during the hours the Library is open.

Reference Sources

Sources in the Library's Reference Collection and similar sources online can help you find brief factual information quickly. Be sure to browse the shelves near the sources listed below to find others.

• Social Work Dictionary
  Main Reference: HV 12 .B37 1999
• Encyclopedia of Social Work
  Main Reference: HV 35 .S6 1995
• Encyclopedia of Social Work - 1997 Supplement
  Main Reference: HV 35 .S6 1997
• Social Work Almanac
  Main Reference: HV 90 .G56 1995

• Social Work Almanac
  Main Reference: HV 90 .G56 1995
• Statistical Abstract of the United States
  Main Reference Desk: HA 202 .S83

Each CQ Researcher (ASU) report focuses on a single topic related to social, economic, political, and environmental issues. They provide a chronological overview and detail recent developments and
opposing viewpoints. Each report includes a bibliography that can lead you to other sources of information on your topic.

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Journal Articles

The best method for finding journal articles is to use one of the Library's online article databases. For additional information on the databases listed below and for others, explore our list of databases. Our databases are now easily accessible off campus by clicking on the database name and typing in the information requested. If you need additional assistance with accessing the databases, contact Randy Curtis (334 229-6968) or Cedric Davis (334 229-6998).

Some of the databases provide access to the entire text of articles. If the text of an article is not available in a database, check for the journal title in Serials Solutions (ASU) to determine if the article is available in another online database. Also check HORNetCat, our online catalog, for availability of journals in the Serials Department on the third floor. You may order those not available in the Library or via a full-text database through Interlibrary Loan.

• Academic Search Premier (ASU) - general/multidisciplinary
• Expanded Academic ASAP (ASU) - general/multidisciplinary
• Health Sciences databases including:
  • Health and Wellness Resource Center (ASU)
  • Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition (ASU)
  • Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe (ASU) - click on Medical

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Government Information

Federal and state governments publish a plethora of information on many topics. Although the University Library is not a depository for government documents, you can request documents through Interlibrary Loan or visit the Library at Auburn University Montgomery, which is a depository. Also, many government documents are available online.

• United States Government Manual
  Main Reference Desk: JK 421 .A3
  online
• GPO Monthly Catalog (ASU) - select GPO from the First Search screen
• GPO Access
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• National Institutes of Health

• Alabama Government Manual
  Main Reference Desk: JK 4531 .A42 1994
• Alabama.gov
• Alabama Department of Public Health

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World Wide Web

The World Wide Web is an outstanding but often bewildering source of information. Not everything you find will be authoritative, accurate, and valid. Try searching one of these databases to find more reliable Web sites.

Web Databases

• INFOMINE Scholarly Internet Resource Collections
• Librarians' Index to the Internet
• Scout Report Archives

Social Work Web Sites

• SWAN - Social Work Access Network
• WWWRSW - World Wide Web Resources for Social Workers
• National Association of Social Workers

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Citing Your Sources

You will use the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association to cite your sources. A copy of the Manual is available at the Reference Desk on the first floor of the Library. Additional assistance with citing electronic publications is available from the APA online site.

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