A Survey of Social Work Research Centers
A survey of Social Work Research Centers (SWRCs) in North America produced results from 8 Canadian and 37 U.S. SWRCs. The number of SWRCs and the proportion directed by women has increased since Estes's survey. Most SWRCs have small budgets and staff complements. The most reported purpose was to improve social work practice by applying and transferring knowledge. Center membership was largely social work faculty and students. SWRC policy and administration was usually shared among SWRC directors, social work heads, and other university officials. Most respondents agreed that SWRCs should have separate budgets to increase their ability to plan and carry out activities. SWRC priorities were about the same as reported by Estes, and their research priorities reflected faculty interests. A high proportion of SWRC directors strongly agree with many of the recommendations originally offered by Estes in 1979. Nearly all agreed that SWRCs should have a stable set of resources to direct toward generating additional funds to build SWRC operations.