Reference sources are invaluable for defining key concepts, providing brief overviews of a subject, and identifying major theories and research developments. They can provide you with the background you need to select and develop a topic of research, or help you explore internship or career opportunities.
In order to find books held in the University of Maine System libraries you should begin with LibrarySearch, the online catalog.
If the material you need is not available at the USM Libraries, you should next search MaineCat and Request the material. If the book is not available through LibrarySearch or MaineCat, then you should create a free Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) account. See links below.
Subject encyclopedias provide an overview of your topic, often including history, current state, policy issues & relevant theories, while specialized dictionaries provide definitions of terms or phrases unique to the field.
Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and Social Welfare, the Profession of Social Work (book) by 
Dictionary of Social Welfare (book) by 
Encyclopedia of Disability (book) by 
Encyclopedia of Social Welfare History in North America (book & e-book) by 
American Decades (E-book) by 
Poverty in the United States: An encyclopedia of history, politics, and policy (E-book) by 
Social Policy: Essential Primary Sources (E-book) by 
A Dictionary of Social Work and Social Care, 2nd ed (E-book) by Another great source for overviews of social issues:
