Social Work

Collection Development Policy: Social Work

Subject Librarian: Steve Sigety

Purpose of policy: The collection development policy for Social Work guides the development and management of the Social Work collection.

Program Description

The Department of Social Work provides undergraduate and graduate education critical to understanding the social and cultural diversity and dynamics of the human condition. Students develop the competence to apply knowledge, values, and skills to practice with individuals, small groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers promote social and economic justice and are involved with people of many cultures and ethnic backgrounds. They are prepared to work with people to identify and resolve problems related to their personal or social circumstances. This can take place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, youth centers, mental health or substance abuse facilities. They can work with individuals or groups, often with the cooperation of several social service agencies to accomplish this goal. Social workers are always advocates for children or adults who are victims of abuse. They also work with community leaders and organizations to develop policies that contribute to building and strengthening the social resources of our society.

Education and training covers theoretical analysis and research methods.

Areas of Established Specialization

• Poverty
• Social justice
• Child welfare
• Mental health
• Addictions and substance abuse
• Domestic violence
• Public policy
• Therapeutic intervention
• Homelessness

Changes in User Population for Most Recent Five Years

• Many if not most of the students have a strong preference for and only know how to obtain internet-based resources.
• The program is expanding rapidly.

New and Expanding Areas of Interest

• Multicultural
• Addictions
• Cultural belief systems

Degrees Offered

• Bachelor of Science in Social Work
• Master of Science in Social Work

Clientele

The primary clientele are the undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff of the Social Work Department. Members of the Michiana community may also use the collection.

Faculty and Student Numbers

• Number of faculty: 8 FTE
• Number of majors: 80 BSW; 106 MSW

Collection Guidelines

The Social Work collection consists of works written for the basic through graduate level and for basic faculty research.

Formats Collected

Scholarly monographs, serials, collections of essays, conference proceedings, videos, and electronic resources are extensively collected.

Formats Excluded

Pamphlets, newsletters, article reprints, and required textbooks. Popular and/or journalistic monographs about social issues are selectively collected.

Language

The collection is primarily in English.

Geographic Coverage

All geographic areas are covered. For titles with a geographic focus, preference is given to materials relating to the region (Michiana, northern Indiana, and Midwest).

Chronological Periods Collected

Priority is given to current publications. Older imprints are collected selectively, usually as replacements for classic works, or upon request.

Subject Emphases

The Social Work collection focuses on the topics of social work practice with families and children; race and ethnic relations; public welfare; social work theory and practice, drug addiction and treatment; mental health issues; homelessness and other community health concerns; social policy and social justice.

Subjects Collected Selectively

International social work.

Reference

Reference material for Social Work are selected by the Social Work subject librarian following the general subject parameters of the collection policy.

Interdisciplinary Considerations

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of social work, materials are also occasionally selected in the areas of women's studies, gender studies, African American studies, education, criminal justice, political science, sociology & anthropology, psychology, counseling, and public affairs.

Location

Social Work materials are housed in the Schurz Library. Works specifically about the discipline of social work are classified in the HV schedule of Library of Congress system.

Social Work Library of Congress Classification Ranges

• Social Work [HV1-4995]
• Substance Abuse [HV4997-5840]

2018