Research Guides: SOWK 6141: Foundations of Social Work: Background Information

Encyclopedias and Summaries

Start here to find overviews and background information:

CQ Researcher Online This link opens in a new window
Reports on social issues, public policy analysis, and political topics. Includes background information, chronologies, current analysis of the situation, tables and maps, and pro and con statements made by individuals with differing viewpoints. Dates back to 1991 for full-text articles.
Points of View Reference Source This link opens in a new window
Series of essays that present multiple sides of a current issue.

Congress.gov (formerly Thomas)
Find the text of laws and policies here. Also includes committee reports which provide valuable background information.

Encyclopedia of Social Work, 20th Edition This link opens in a new window
Biographies and encyclopedic entries on social work related issues.

News Sources

New York Times (1980 - Present) This link opens in a new window
Major resource for national and international news and current events, provided by Nexis Uni. In the guided search, choose "A Publication", then your search term(s), then choose "New York Times" in the "Find Publication" box.
Charlotte Observer (1886-present) This link opens in a new window
Charlotte Observer online from 1886 to the present.
America's Historical Newspapers This link opens in a new window
Searchable American newspaper collections, including African American Newspapers Series 1, 1827-1998; Caribbean Newspapers, 1718-1876; South Carolina's Historical Newspapers; Hispanic American Newspapers, 1808-1980; and selected historical newspapers.
New York Times Historical Archives (1851-2020) This link opens in a new window
Major global newspaper including news, editorials, letters to the editor, obituaries, birth and marriage announcements, as well as photos and advertisements.
Raleigh News & Observer This link opens in a new window
Raleigh News & Observer full text from 1991 to the present.

Statistics and Demographics

Statistics are a powerful way to illustrate your point. Changes in statistics over a period of time can demonstrate the growth of an issue or problem.

Data.Census.Gov (Explore Census Data) This link opens in a new window
Official data from the Census Bureau from 2000-current
ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the United States (2013-present) This link opens in a new window
This database continues the Statistical Abstract published annually by the Census Bureau and contains data from 2013-present. In addition, it includes enhancements such as monthly updates of content and line-item access to tables.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Data & Statistics
Pew Research Center
UNC Charlotte Urban Institute
A nonpartisan, applied research and community outreach institute at UNC Charlotte, seeking solutions to the social, economic and environmental challenges facing our communities.
healthdata.gov
This site is dedicated to making high value health data more accessible to entrepreneurs, researchers, and policy makers in the hopes of better health outcomes for all.