LibGuides: Social Work Liaison Toolkit: Post-graduation Resources

About

A selection of open resources for which practicing social workers will have access. The following tabs on this guide also contain open access resources:

Statistics and Data
Open Access
Evidence-based Practice Resources

Most license agreements with publishers restrict online access to library materials to enrolled students, staff, and faculty. Limited access to research creates challenges for practicing social workers whose Code of Ethics states: "Social workers should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use evaluation and research evidence in their professional practice" (NASW Code of Ethics, 5.02 Evaluation and Research, section c, 2021). There are a range of resources that can support social workers' research needs after graduation, including open access journals and books [see "open access" tab on this guide] and government information.

Current page editor: Ashley Wilson (aswilson@sdsu.edu)

National Association of Social Workers Membership Benefits

Your NASW membership includes the following benefits related to professional and scholarly information:

Social Work (journal)
An annual online subscription of Social Work is provided to NASW members as part of their member benefit. NASW members can access articles online from 1956 to the current issue.
NASW News
Find the latest news from NASW. Read Social Work Advocates magazine, news releases and statements; browse past issues of NASW News; learn about Social Work Month activities; get facts about social workers; find social work research and data; or visit one of our blogs.
NASW Practice
Review extensive practice articles on every social work topic.
Find your NASW chapter
Access continuing education events in your state, local resources, and a network of colleagues near where you live and work through your chapter.

Visit Local Libraries

Public libraries have resources such as: space to work, meet, or collaborate, job searching resources, resume software, and technology/internet access.

Use your local public library for interlibrary loan. You may be able to request materials owned by large research libraries and have them delivered to your local library at little to no charge.
Many public libraries also offer remote access to databases, ebooks, and periodicals to library card holders.
Check to see if your state library offers access to electronic resources to state residents.
Try contacting an academic library near your location. Many public university libraries allow visitors guest privileges which would enable you to search their library databases and read, print, or email, full-text electronic articles. Just be sure to check with them before you travel since they may restrictions such as limited hours for public access.

Additional Resources

Several institutions maintain research guides highlighting how social workers can stay informed and access resources after graduation. Here are a few examples: