Social Work
Whether you’re a new student starting your first assignment or delving into a research project, this subject guide is designed to assist Social Work students in finding the best information. On this page you'll find key resources, as well as guides to help you develop your academic, study, and digital skills. If you can’t find what you need, you contact the Academic Support Team: library-healthandsociety@salford.ac.uk.
Popular pages on the Library website
Three key actions for getting started
Finding information for your assessments
Developing strong information searching skills saves time and yields relevant results. The Finding Information Skills page covers everything you need for academic searching. Take the Finding Information Skills assessment for a personalised action plan.
- Reading Lists
These are set up by your tutors to guide you to good quality, relevant and useful materials to help you with your studies. They are a great starting point before doing your own research - find out more about your Reading Lists.
- Library Search
Library Search can make your academic life easier by helping you find a range of reliable and trustworthy sources for your work. It contains a wealth of information to help you make the most of your studies, including books/eBooks, journals/eJournals, articles, databases, and more.
Using Library Search may feel daunting at first, but don't worry, we have a range of guides on how to find relevant resources.
Key resources for Social Work students
Databases
- Social Sciences Databases – ProQuest: this provides access to key UK and worldwide articles and research, including the British Journal of Social Work.
- CINAHL: offers a systemised approach to searching for articles and research in the areas of Health and Social Care.
- Community Care Inform - Adults and Children: Guidance to key pieces of legislation, expert articles and practice guides.
Books and Journals
The first place you should look is your Reading List. You will find a link to this in your Blackboard modules. It lists all the core texts for your subject as recommended by your lecturers. All our other books and journals can be found in Library Search. We've created a map to help you find social work books in the library.
Useful Websites
These sites may have some journals but also other key research.
- Evidence Search: provides free access to clinical and non-clinical information including evidence, guidance and Government policy.
- British Association of Social Work: provides discussion and information current topics in the field.
- SCIE- Social care institute for Excellence: shares and supports the use of knowledge and evidence about what works in practice.
Employability
These resources can help you gain further skills to assist in your future career.
LinkedIn Learning offers more than 9,000 professionally produced online courses covering a wide range of technical, creative and professional skills.
Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Boost your CV with this globally recognised IT qualification.
Current Affairs
Guardian Society: Latest Society news, comment and analysis from The Guardian.
The Student social Work Hub: https://thestudentsocialworkhub.wordpress.com/ Twitter - @SWbohemians
![Find Social Work books in the Library](/sites/default/files/2022-11/socialwork.jpg)
Study better
- University Assessments
Whilst studying at Salford you will need to complete a range of assessments. We provide a range of guidance on how to approach the different assessment types you may come across.
- Referencing
We provide eLearning, written guides, and an extensive list of referencing examples.
- Skills A-Z
We have developed eLearning over a wide range of subjects for you to develop your academic skills at home and in your own time.
Workshops
We offer online and face-to-face workshops to help you develop your academic skills. These engaging, interactive sessions cover a wide range of topics which take place throughout the year, so check up on the list regularly.
Click on a workshop title to book onto the session via Advantage. If a session has no remaining spaces, sign up to the waiting list in case a space becomes free!
One to one appointments
You can book a one to one appointment with your Academic Support Team to discuss finding information, academic and writing skills, or digital support.
Follow the link below, choose your school and what you'd like support with, then select your chosen time slot and book on through Advantage.