About this Guide
Current EMU students have access to many online resources through library subscriptions. But these resources are not available to alumni or others unless you visit the library in-person.
This guide lists free research resources that provide useful information for social work professionals who are not currently EMU students.
Free Research Databases
Most of these resources are provided by government agencies and offer summaries of research articles and other sources, and some full-text sources (free or with cost.) Local public libraries might offer interlibrary loan services to provide copies of articles not available online. Visit the EMU library in person to use EMU online journals and databases.
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Child Welfare Information GatewayInformation and resources on child welfare topic including child abuse and neglect, foster care, and adoption. Many resources are available online for free. The Child Welfare Information Gateway is provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children & Families.
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Cochrane SummariesFree summaries of systematic reviews in human health care and health policy, including mental health, addiction, and behavioral treatments.
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ERIC (Education Resource Information Center)ERIC focuses on education and children and also includes information from some social work journals. Resources include journal articles, papers, and other research reports, with some available in full-text. ERIC is also available in-person at the EMU library, with links to EMU full-text online journals.
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Evidence-Based Practices Resource CenterResources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Google ScholarScholarly articles, books, research reports, theses, working papers, cited sources. Some sources are available free online, others are not.
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JSTOR - Free accessJSTOR provides free access to everyone to a limited number of articles each month through their register and read program.
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MeL DatabasesMeL Databases (eResources) are available online to all Michigan residents. They include some professional and academic journals. Many articles are available as full-text.
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National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) DatabaseNCJRS includes summaries of more than 200,000 criminal justice, juvenile justice, and substance abuse resources.
A few are available online, others you can order from NCJRS. -
PubMedReferences for scholarly and professional articles in the health sciences and life sciences, some links to full-text.
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State Child Abuse & Neglect (SCAN) PoliciesChild abuse and neglect definitions, laws, and policies for U.S. states.
Data & Statistics
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Census DataPopulation, housing, economic, and geographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Autism Spectrum Disorders Data & StatisticsProvided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See the links and references on this page for more detailed data.
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Child Research Data & PublicationsFrom the Children's Defense Fund.
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Children's Bureau: Statistics & ResearchData on topics including including adoption, foster care, and child abuse and neglect.
Search Public Policy Groups & Think Tanks
Find think tanks by topic:
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American Policy DirectoryPolicy organizations grouped by general topic area.
Learn about how think tanks work and their biases:
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Media bias linksCheck for the potential bias of a media source or organization.
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Writing about think tanks and using their research: A cautionary tip sheetHow to evaluate think tanks and the information they provide.
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Fake think tanks fuel fake newsDiscusses the problem of organizations that claim to be think tanks but that distribute propaganda rather than real science. Article by Emma Gray Ellis, Jan. 24, 2017, wired.com.
Systematic Reviews
Systematic reviews summarize the best available primary research on a specific question. Learn more: What is a systematic review?
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Cochrane SummariesFree summaries of systematic reviews in human health care and health policy, including mental health, addiction, and behavioral treatments.
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Campbell Collaboration LibrarySelected systematic reviews related to education, crime and justice, social welfare, and other topics.
Librarian
Guide created by Sara Memmott, Social Work Librarian.
Contact me: smemmott@emich.edu
Library of Michigan Databases
Apply online for a Library of Michigan card and get access to their newspaper, history, and other databases. All Michigan residents and also out-of-state students enrolled in a Michigan college or university are eligible.
