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Social Work

This guide is to support you as your navigate BU Libraries and conduct research in the field of social work.

Language Matters

The language used to describe experiences, systems, and conditions have evolved over time in the field of social work. While conducting your research, think of synonyms and variations of words or terms you may be using. Some tools that may be useful to you are:

Staying Online

Needing support staying online during your semester?

  • Boston University has a laptop loan program if you need assistance staying connected with technology throughout your coursework. Learn more here. 
  • The Boston Public Library also has a 3-week laptop lending program. Learn more here. Anyone can get a free Boston Public Library card with proof of Massachusetts address. 

New Books Available To You!

Social work licensing masters exam guide : comprehensive ASWB LMSW exam review ; Fourth edition.
The development of child protection systems and practice in low- to middle-income countries
Anti-oppressive psychotherapeutic practice : finding liberation through unlearning book cover
Handbook of research methods in social work book cover
Relational caring and presence theory in health care and social work : a care-ethical perspective
Justice abandoned : how the Supreme Court ignored the Constitution and enabled mass incarceration
Who Owns Democracy? : The Real Deep State and the Struggle Over Class and Caste in America
Rethinking feminist history and theory : essays on gender, class, and labour
See Me Book Cover
Art Therapy for Racial Trauma, Microaggressions and Inequality : Social Justice and Advocacy in Therapy Work.
Gender-affirming psychiatric care
Social work and antisemitism : issues and interventions
Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins book cover
Book cover of Social Work, Parents and the Child Protection Process : Representations of Parents in Policy, Organisation and Social Work Practice
Controversies in Schizophrenia Issues, Causes, and Treatment
Emerging adulthood : a psychodynamic approach to the new developmental phase of the 21st century
https://bu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01BOSU_INST/u1o13f/alma99209601384101161
Towards a queer and trans ethic of care in education : beyond the limitations of white, cisheteropatriarchal, colonial care
Sex work in popular culture
Applying strengths-based approaches in social work
Ubuntu philosophy and decolonising social work fields of practice in Africa
One word shapes a nation : integration politics in Germany

About This Guide and the Social Work Librarian

This guide is to support you as your navigate BU Libraries and conduct research in the field of social work.

BU has a dedicated Social Work Librarian. Lucy (email: LFlamm@BU.edu) is available for one-on-one support both through email or appointments. You can click the calendar below or email LFlamm@BU.edu. If you don't see a day/time that meets your needs, please reach out! We'll find a time that works best for you to connect.

For students, Lucy can support with topics including:

  • Finding resources related to your research topic(s)
  • Navigating databases to find specialized information and evidence
  • Evaluating sources to consider authority, ethics, and bias
  • Creating and managing your notes, sources, citations and data

Introduction to Library Resources

The video below provides an overview of library offerings for the School of Social Work. A separate video for new and returning faculty and instructors is also available.

How Do I...

Content and tutorials are available to provide instructional information. Here are some tutorials available:

Accessing Course Materials

Searching for Materials

Methods and Approaches

Librarian