Social Work Practice: Resources for After Graduation

News as a Valuable Discovery Tool

News serves as a timely and accessible source of information, though its characteristics can vary. It is:

• Current: Published quickly to capture unfolding events.

• Editorially Reviewed (Sometimes): Some outlets apply fact-checking and content verification, while others may not.

• Subject to Bias: Coverage can be influenced by editorial perspectives or agendas.

• Not Always Accurate: Rapid reporting can lead to errors or incomplete information. This is why it's often referred to as the rough draft of history.

Despite these limitations, news remains invaluable as a discovery tool, offering insights into ongoing conversations around events and topics. It often points to original source material, policies, and organizations that can serve as starting points for deeper research.

There are many ways to access news, ranging from freely available sources to subscription-based platforms.

Highly Recommended Practices
To stay informed and engaged in your field, consider these practices:

• Read Your Community’s Newspaper:
  If you are fortunate enough to have a community newspaper, make it a habit to read it regularly. Staying informed about local issues and developments helps you better understand the context in which your clients live and work. For example, in Syracuse, this would be The Post-Standard.

• Listen to Social Work-Related Podcasts:
  Explore podcasts that discuss current trends, research, and best practices in social work to deepen your understanding and stay connected with the profession.

Currency

• What is the publication/creation date?
• Does this time period meet your information need?
• When was the last update?
• Are all the links up to date (for web resources)?

Authority

• Who is the author? What are her/his credentials?
• Has the author been cited in other sources?
• Who is publishing this information (individual, non-profit organization, commercial)?

Validity/Accuracy

• Do other sources contain the same information?
• Is evidence given to support the information?
• Are other sources cited?
• Is the source or website edited, (for web resources) when was it last updated; does it contain typographical errors?

Audience

• Who is the intended audience (students, researchers, trades people, children, adults)?
• Is this source appropriate for your needs and understanding of the topic?

Point of View (Bias)

• Does the source present the information from a particular bias or single viewpoint?
• Does the source contain assumptions not backed by research?
• Does the sponsoring organization or site have a stake in how information is presented?
• Does the information contain advertising?