Collection Spotlight: Diversifying the Social Work Syllabus
by Anita Kuiken, Librarian for Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
Integrating diverse voices into research and curriculum is crucial for addressing inequalities and promoting diversity. One approach is the intentional amplification of BIPOC voices which are often underrepresented. These voices can be challenging to locate in library databases or online because research is not typically indexed with the author’s demographic information. So, how do you identify authors of color when there are few tools available?
To fill this gap, a national group of social work librarians created an extensive, searchable database titled Diversifying the Social Work Syllabus, featuring non-white social work researchers. They began by identifying Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Social Work programs and carefully reviewing faculty profiles, including images, biographies and curriculum vitae to build the foundational database. Users can search researcher entries by name, affiliation, researcher profiles (ORCID, Google Scholar, etc.), research interests and subject expertise. This database is continuously updated through a grassroots effort by a broader network of Social Work Librarians and faculty educators.
Although this database is not yet comprehensive, it provides a valuable starting point for identifying BIPOC authors and their research. Once you have found a researcher in your area of interest, you can use Syracuse University’s Libraries Search or databases to access the full text of their work, as published research is not always freely available online. If you’re unfamiliar with using Libraries Search (big search box on the Libraries’ homepage), this helpful video will guide you through the process. If you are new to navigating our databases, try this video.
Incorporating diverse voices into research and education is essential for promoting equity and inclusion. The Diversifying the Social Work Syllabus database is a valuable resource for amplifying underrepresented BIPOC scholars in social work. By using this tool alongside Syracuse University’s Libraries Search and databases, educators and researchers can easily access and integrate diverse perspectives, enriching their work and fostering a more inclusive academic environment.
Reference:
Covington, E. and Tillotson, C. (2023). Diversifying the Social Work Syllabus [Conference presentation]. DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska-Lincoln. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/library_talks/180/
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