Examinations of highly cited articles are common in professions such as medicine as a way to enhance professional self-reflection. Yet，little research has examined influential articles in social work. In light of the emergence of a distinct disciplinary knowledge base over the past few decades，this study identifies the 100 most cited articles in disciplinary social work journals （N 79） published during 2000-09. Analysis revealed twelve citation classics spanning a relatively diverse array of subjects. Among the various topics that appeared among the 100 most cited articles，the results suggest that evidence-based practice/social work research plays a particularly important role in professional discourse. Also notable is the fact that some two-thirds of the most highly cited articles were published in just four journals.

>Bibliometrics，professional discourse，social work literature，highly cited articles