LibGuides: Community Services: Key Resources

Community Services Databases

Searching in databases is a great way to ensure you're getting the best possible search results. Try these Community Services databases to find resources that are most relevant to your discipline.

Informit database collection This link opens in a new window
Provides access to over 90 Australian databases across a wide range of subjects.
Social Work Abstracts (OVID) This link opens in a new window
Topics cover homelessness, AIDS, child and family welfare, aging, substance abuse, legislation and community organization. 4 concurrent users
Counseling & Therapy This link opens in a new window
Streaming video and guides covering social work, psychotherapy, psychology and psychiatric counseling.
EBSCO Megafile Ultimate This link opens in a new window
Full-text journal databases and indexes covering social sciences, business, health, education, sciences and humanities
Law Journal Library This link opens in a new window
Contains more than 2,600 law and law-related periodicals, covering criminal justice, political science, technology, human rights, and more.
ProQuest databases This link opens in a new window
Over 15 journal databases of abstracted and full-text articles covering all subject areas
PsycINFO (OVID) This link opens in a new window
Behavioral sciences and mental health. Includes related disciplines such as medicine, law, social work, neuroscience, business, nursing, forensics and engineering.
Scopus This link opens in a new window
Abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed journals, books and conference proceedings in a wide range of disciplines.

Full list of journal databases

web resources

Evaluate the resources you find online carefully, as not all are suitable quality for use in your studies. These Community Services web resources are recommended by your University of Newcastle Library.

Analysis & Policy Observatory (APO)
APO provides open access to research reports and papers, statistics and other resources for public policy research and development.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
ACNC is the national regulator of charities. Information and advice on the work of the not-for-profit sector is available via a free searchable database of charities.
Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS)
A national advocate for people affected by poverty, disadvantage and inequality, and the peak council for community services nationally
Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
AHRC is an independent statutory organisation to protect and promote human rights in Australia and internationally.
Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)
AIFS is Australian Government's key research body in the area of family wellbeing. The site provides their research reports and other publications.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
An Australian Government agency producing authoritative and accessible information and statistics to inform and support better policy and service delivery decisions, leading to better health and wellbeing for all Australians.
Centre for Independent Studies (CIS)
CIS remains at the forefront of social policy debate in Australia, with a focus on key issues such as welfare, health care, education and child protection.
Department of Social Services, Australian Government
DSS's mission is to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities.
healthdirect
Free health information and advice online and over the phone services funded by Australian government.
Services Australia
An Australian government agency to deliver government payments and services and provide relevant information.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The 17 UN SDGs as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

Professional Associations

It can be valuable to build your career prospects and networks by connecting with professional associations. You might like to engage with these Community Services groups as a student, or even throughout your career.

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
The professional body for social workers that sets the benchmarks for professional education and practice in social work and advocates for social justice, human rights and issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.
Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)
ACWA is the professional body for qualified community workers in Australia that supports community workers in every sphere of their work life from setting educational standards through to determining an ethical practice framework.
Brotherhood of St. Laurence
Non-government, community-based organisation concerned with social justice. Based in Melbourne, it is working for a better deal for disadvantaged people and provides important services for people who need them most.
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA)
CSSA is Australia’s national network of community based Catholic organisations providing social services to and advocacy for those most in need.
Homelessness Australia
Homelessness Australia is the national peak body for homelessness in Australia. They are a voluntary organisation that provides systemic advocacy for the homelessness sector.
Mental Health Australia
A national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector and committed to achieving better mental health for all Australians.

Dictionaries & Encyclopaedias

Useful resources for understanding your topic and finding the right keywords to use in your searching.

A Dictionary of Social Work and Social Care by John Harris & Vicky White
Publication Date: 2018
The Encyclopedia of Social Work, 20th ed. by Terry Mizrahi & Larry E. Davis
Publication Date: 2008

Your Subject Librarians

This guide has been created by University of Newcastle Librarians who work with your schools to make sure you have access to the resources you need. The Librarians supporting Community Services are:

Teaching Liaison Librarian

Jessica Davis

Research Liaison Librarian

Nicole Gammie