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Encyclopedias
These are useful for succinct overviews or background information on an issue. You can also keyword search our online catalog (see "Books & Dissertations" tab) for thematic encyclopedias that will include essays on policy and law in a given area, e.g. "adoption encyclopedias".
- Encyclopedia of Social Welfare History in North AmericaOnline version. Covers Canada, Mexico and the United States. We also have a print version in the JFK Library reference collection: JFK Main Level Reference HV12 .E497 2005
- Encyclopedia of Social WorkThe online version of this classic reference work from the National Association of Social Workers is continuously updated. The JFK Library also owns a 2008 print edition at JFK Main Level Reference HV35 .S6 2008
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new windowScholarly encyclopedias and reference works on a wide variety of topics: business, ASCD publications in education, environment, history, law, literature, medicine, sciences, and the social sciences. Formerly named Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL).
- International Encyclopedia of Social PolicyIncludes overviews of social policy by country, plus thematic essays on topics like earnings inequality, food stamps, Medicare, and welfare reform. Detailed index for each volume (2 vols.)
- Poverty and the Government in America: a Historical EncyclopediaFeatures 170 entries on "policy directives, legislation, important individuals, and organizations that have influenced government approaches to dealing with poverty in the United States" including local, state, federal, and tribal government, up to 2007. (2 vols.)
- Poverty in the United States: an Encyclopedia of History, Politics, and PolicyIncludes historical essays on ageism, child support, disability policy, health policy, homelessness, the minimum wage, social security, unemployment insurance, and welfare administration, among other topics. (2 vols.)
- SAGE Knowledge This link opens in a new windowSAGE Knowledge offers subject encyclopedias and reference works, mainly in the social sciences and business management.
Other Policy-Related Reference Works
- Social Work Speaks: National Association of Social Workers Policy StatementsInvestigate the current and former policy positions of the leading professional organization for social workers in the U.S. (older editions are in the circulating stacks).
- Welfare ReformPart of CQ Press' Vital Issues series, intending to provide "unbiased analysis of controversial topics". Offers essays on historical aspects of the U.S. welfare system, international models, and sample policies and laws up through 2001.