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Citing Sources: What are citations and why should I use them?

What is a citation.

Citations are a way of giving credit when certain material in your work came from another source. It also gives your readers the information necessary to find that source again-- it provides an important roadmap to your research process. Whenever you use sources such as books, journals or websites in your research, you must give credit to the original author by citing the source. 

Why do researchers cite?

Scholarship is a conversation  and scholars use citations not only to  give credit  to original creators and thinkers, but also to  add strength and authority  to their own work.  By citing their sources, scholars are  placing their work in a specific context  to show where they “fit” within the larger conversation.  Citations are also a great way to  leave a trail  intended to help others who may want to explore the conversation or use the sources in their own work.

In short, citations

(1) give credit

(2) add strength and authority to your work

(3) place your work in a specific context

(4) leave a trail for other scholars

"Good citations should reveal your sources, not conceal them. They should honeslty reflect the research you conducted." (Lipson 4)

Lipson, Charles. "Why Cite?"  Cite Right: A Quick Guide to Citation Styles--MLA, APA, Chicago, the Sciences, Professions, and More . Chicago: U of Chicago, 2006. Print.

What does a citation look like?

Different subject disciplines call for citation information to be written in very specific order, capitalization, and punctuation. There are therefore many different style formats. Three popular citation formats are MLA Style (for humanities articles) and APA or Chicago (for social sciences articles).

MLA style (print journal article):  

Whisenant, Warren A. "How Women Have Fared as Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Since the Passage of Title IX." Sex Roles Vol. 49.3 (2003): 179-182.

APA style (print journal article):

Whisenant, W. A. (2003) How Women Have Fared as Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Since the Passage of Title IX. Sex Roles , 49 (3), 179-182.

Chicago style (print journal article):

Whisenant, Warren A. "How Women Have Fared as Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Since the Passage of Title IX." Sex Roles 49, no. 3 (2003): 179-182.

No matter which style you use, all citations require the same basic information:

• Author or Creator
• Container (e.g., Journal or magazine, website, edited book)
• Date of creation or publication
• Publisher 

You are most likely to have easy access to all of your citation information when you find it in the first place. Take note of this information up front, and it will be much easier to cite it effectively later.

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Citing sources: Overview

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If you have questions after consulting this guide about how to cite, please contact your advisor/professor or the writing and communication center .

Why citing is important

It's important to cite sources you used in your research for several reasons:

• To show your reader you've done proper research by listing sources you used to get your information
• To be a responsible scholar by giving credit to other researchers and acknowledging their ideas
• To avoid plagiarism by quoting words and ideas used by other authors
• To allow your reader to track down the sources you used by citing them accurately in your paper by way of footnotes, a bibliography or reference list

About citations

Citing a source means that you show, within the body of your text, that you took words, ideas, figures, images, etc. from another place.

Citations are a short way to uniquely identify a published work (e.g. book, article, chapter, web site).  They are found in bibliographies and reference lists and are also collected in article and book databases.

Citations consist of standard elements, and contain all the information necessary to identify and track down publications, including:

• author name(s)
• titles of books, articles, and journals
• date of publication
• page numbers
• volume and issue numbers (for articles)

Citations may look different, depending on what is being cited and which style was used to create them. Choose an appropriate style guide for your needs.  Here is an example of an article citation using four different citation styles.  Notice the common elements as mentioned above:

Author - R. Langer

Article Title - New Methods of Drug Delivery

Source Title - Science

Volume and issue - Vol 249, issue 4976

Publication Date - 1990

Page numbers - 1527-1533

American Chemical Society (ACS) style:

Langer, R. New Methods of Drug Delivery. Science 1990 , 249 , 1527-1533.

IEEE Style:

R. Langer, " New Methods of Drug Delivery," Science , vol. 249 , pp. 1527-1533 , SEP 28, 1990 .

American Psychological Association   (APA) style:

Langer, R. (1990) . New methods of drug delivery. Science , 249 (4976), 1527-1533.

Modern Language Association (MLA) style:

Langer, R. " New Methods of Drug Delivery." Science 249.4976 (1990) : 1527-33.

What to cite

You must cite:

• Facts, figures, ideas, or other information that is not common knowledge

Publications that must be cited include:  books, book chapters, articles, web pages, theses, etc.

Another person's exact words should be quoted and cited to show proper credit 

When in doubt, be safe and cite your source!

Avoiding plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when you borrow another's words (or ideas) and do not acknowledge that you have done so. In this culture, we consider our words and ideas intellectual property; like a car or any other possession, we believe our words belong to us and cannot be used without our permission.

Plagiarism is a very serious offense. If it is found that you have plagiarized -- deliberately or inadvertently -- you may face serious consequences. In some instances, plagiarism has meant that students have had to leave the institutions where they were studying.

The best way to avoid plagiarism is to cite your sources - both within the body of your paper and in a bibliography of sources you used at the end of your paper.

Some useful links about plagiarism:

• MIT Academic Integrity Overview on citing sources and avoiding plagiarism at MIT.
• Avoiding Plagiarism From the MIT Writing and Communication Center.
• Plagiarism: What It is and How to Recognize and Avoid It From Indiana University's Writing Tutorial Services.
• Plagiarism- Overview A resource from Purdue University.
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• Last Updated: Jan 16, 2024 7:02 AM
• URL: https://libguides.mit.edu/citing

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• Referencing

Referencing explained

Why and when to reference.

Referencing is an important part of academic work. It puts your work in context, demonstrates the breadth and depth of your research, and acknowledges other people’s work. You should reference whenever you use someone else’s idea.

View video using Microsoft Stream (link opens in a new window, available for University members only)

These webpages explain what referencing is, why it is important and give an overview of the main elements of how to reference. Our Referencing made simple tutorial opens in a new window and covers how to identify your source and create a reference with interactive examples.

Why reference?

Referencing correctly:

• helps you to avoid plagiarism by making it clear which ideas are your own and which are someone else’s
• shows your understanding of the topic
• gives supporting evidence for your ideas, arguments and opinions
• allows others to identify the sources you have used.

When to reference

Whenever you use an idea from someone else's work, for example from a journal article, textbook or website, you should cite the original author to make it clear where that idea came from. This is the case regardless of whether you have paraphrased, summarised or directly quoted their work. This is a key part of good practice in academic writing.

Read more on:

• academic integrity
• quoting, summarising, paraphrasing, and synthesising
• citing direct quotations in Leeds Harvard or citing direct quotations in Leeds Numeric styles.

University and school policies

The University referencing policy (PDF) sets out the referencing requirements that all taught students and tutors are expected to follow.

Each school in the University requires students to use a specific style of referencing. Check the referencing style used in your school before you begin.

All your citations and references should match the style you are using exactly, including any punctuation, capitalisation, italics and bold, and you should use the same referencing style throughout your assignment.

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Why We Cite

Citing information: why we cite.

• Introduction
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• Citation Builder This link opens in a new window

Why we Cite

The purposes of citation.

Quality academic writing is built upon the work of others, to which we add our own unique analysis and contributions. Citations serve three major roles in scholarly work:

• They allow you to show how your argument is built upon the ideas of others.
• They allow you to indicate which ideas are taken from others, and from whom those ideas were taken; in other words, to give credit where it's due.
• They allow the interested reader to follow your argument and confirm its logic by investigating the ideas on which the argument is built, or to further explore those ideas on their own.

In each case, it's important that you acknowledge the ways in which others' ideas contributed to your own. To fail to distinguish our original ideas from those of our forebears is plagiarism, "the act of appropriating the literary composition of another author, or excerpts, ideas, or passages therefrom, and passing the material off as one's own creation." (West's Encyclopedia of American Law ).

What Needs to be Cited?

If you incorporate or refer to others' theories, words, ideas or concepts in a paper or project, you must document each one using a citation. The use of facts and statistics that another has compiled must also be likewise acknowledged.

You need to document:

• Direct quotes, both entire sentences and phrases
• Paraphrases (rephrased or summarized material)
• Words or terminology specific to or unique to the author's research, theories, or ideas
• Use of an author's argument or line of thinking
• Historical, statistical, or scientific facts
• Graphs, drawings, or other such aggregations of information or data
• Articles or studies you refer to within your text

You do not need to document:

• Proverbs, axioms, and sayings ("A stitch in time saves nine.")
• Well-known quotations ("Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.")
• Common knowledge (Thomas Edison invented the phonograph; "Starry Night" was painted by Vincent Van Gogh; Oxygen has the atomic number 8)

Sometimes it can be difficult to be sure what counts as common knowledge. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if a knowledgeable reader would be familiar with the information in question. If he or she would have to look it up to confirm it, you should usually document it. If you're not sure, document it to play it safe.

Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is theft; it is a violation of professional ethics; it is a violation of UNC at Chapel Hill's Honor Code; furthermore, the courts have recognized it as a violation of copyright. There are many ways to violate copyright, including failure to acknowledge direct quotes or the paraphrasing of another person's work, and the insufficient acknowledgment of such works.

For an in-depth discussion of plagiarism , please refer to the Library's Plagiarism Tutorial and the Writing Center's Plagiarism Handout .

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Looking for a book, article, database or something else for your research, what is plagiarism.

Plagiarism is defined as "a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own work" or "taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own"  [ 1 ]

Plagiarism is a serious issue in the academic community. While plagiarism sometimes does occur intentionally, it also occurs because the writer doesn’t understand or does not know how to avoid it. Please visit our online tutorial:  Plagiarism 101  for an entertaining and interesting look at why people plagiarize and strategies to avoid it.

Plagiarism occurs when you use someone else’s ideas and PRETEND they are your own. Avoiding plagiarism doesn’t mean that you can never use other people’s ideas. It’s a widely known secret that in fact you CAN use other peoples’ ideas and even their words. For many research papers you NEED to do this in order to prove your own points. So use their ideas! Use their words! Professors expect to see in your writing that you’ve done your research and understand what the experts think when you formed your own opinions. The trick is to acknowledge who these expert ideas really belong to by CITING them!

So let’s assume you don’t want to plagiarize, you’ve given yourself enough time to do it right, but you’re still not sure about “putting things in your own words,” judging when to cite work, or how to cite it. Read on for more information and examples.

Why acknowledge sources?

Doing research for a paper is an exploration and learning process. By acknowledging our sources we show our reader the path we took to come to our conclusions. Citing the authors we read shows how we tied others’ research and ideas together and how we came to learn about and develop our own ideas and opinions.

Why should you cite your sources?

1. Citations reflect the careful and thorough work you have put into locating and exploring your sources.

2. Citations help readers understand the context of your argument and are a courtesy to the reader, who may share your interest in a particular area of study.

3. Citations allow you to acknowledge those authors who contributed to your learning and your work.

4. Citations, by illustrating your own learning process, also draw attention to the originality and legitimacy of your own ideas.

5. By citing sources you demonstrate your integrity and skill as a responsible student and participant in your field of study.  [2]

When to cite sources

While professors and scholars may have specific requirements based on the needs of their discipline, there are cases where you should  always  cite your sources.

1. Direct quotes of more than one word.  If the author’s words are powerful or you need to be specific for your argument, the authors’ words can be used as a direct quote.

2. Paraphrasing or summarizing.  If you want to use someone else’s idea to help you make your point or to support your own ideas, in this case you would “translate” the ideas into your own words.

3. Information which may be common knowledge  but still unfamiliar to your reader. This would also include statistical information which may be familiar information but still requires confirmation.

4. Not just books or articles  should be cited. Any source that you use for information can and should be cited including interviews, websites, TV programs, etc.

5. Whenever you are not sure  if something should be cited, err on the side of caution and cite sources.

Let’s look at some examples…

Direct quotes

How much you quote will determine how it appears in the body of your paper but whether it is one word or an entire paragraph, direct quotes need to be cited.

Lappe’s explanation of a "thin democracy"  [3]  addresses a number of basic flaws within our American society.

Global warming is being recognized as a major issue throughout the world and as Al Gore instructs, "it is time to make peace with our planet."  [4]

Paraphrasing or Summarizing

This involves translating what you have read (or heard) and putting it into your own words. Paraphrasing typically refers to putting an idea or passage into your own words. Summarizing involves capturing the main idea or reducing a detailed piece to a shorter and more general synopsis.

Here's an example:

"Instructors usually allow students to find their own topics for a major writing assignment; thus choose something of interest to you so you won’t get bored after a few days. At the same time, your chosen topic will need a scholarly perspective." [5]

Paraphrase : When students are permitted to select their own topic to write about they should choose one that is interesting to them. The topic should also be scholarly in nature so that students will be able to find appropriate research and resources on the topic.  [5]

Summary : Students should select writing topics that are interesting and also lend themselves to academic research.  [5]

A summary generally addresses the overall theme of a passage, article, opinion, etc. while a paraphrase generally restates a more specific thought or idea. The difference between summarizing and paraphrasing is sometimes obvious and sometimes subtle — do you see the difference?

Common Knowledge? Or Not?

Some basic facts are common knowledge and easily confirmed from a variety of sources. Statistics should always be cited, as well as opinions and less familiar facts. Information that is considered well-known within your field of study will also help determine if it is considered common or not. However, if you are not sure, cite it!

The University at Albany located in Albany, New York and is part of the State University of New York.

This is common knowledge and easily confirmed in a multitude of sources.

The State University of New York was officially established in February of 1948 and currently consists of 64 institutions. The University at Albany is one of ten University Centers that are part of the SUNY system.  [6]

While the SUNY system is well known and these facts are easily confirmed, specific historical information or statistics should be cited.

How to cite?

We’ve talked about plagiarism as well as why and when to cite. The next question is "How?"

There are  two things you need to know  from your professor.

The FIRST is how you will reference your sources within your paper. Generally you will use one of the following options:

• IN TEXT  citation is when your source author is included within the body of your paper. This acts as a reference to your 'Works Cited' page.
• END NOTES  format is used in this document. The cited idea or quote is noted with a number and the source is listed at the end of the paper.
• FOOT NOTES  format is similar to end notes however the citations are listed at the bottom of each page.

The SECOND thing you need to know is what Format and Style Guide to use. There are very specific rules about how to do this that are not included in this document. Your professor will tell you which s/he wants you to follow. The choices will typically be one of the following:

• MLA  Format and Style Guide (Modern Language Association)
• APA  Format and Style Guide (American Psychological Association)
• CHICAGO  Manual of Style

Please visit the University Libraries' Citation Basics research guide  for information and instructions on these style guides. Once you know what your professor wants you will need to follow the rules of that format accordingly.

[ 1 ]  "Plagiarism."  WordNet 3.0 . Princeton University. 03 Apr. 2008.  Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plagiarism .

[ 2 ] Adapted from "Sources and Citation at Dartmouth College." Dartmouth College. 1998. Retrieved 9 Feb 2009.  http://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/sources/sources-citation.html

[ 3 ] Lappe, Frances Moore.  Getting a Grip.  Cambridge, MA : Small Planet Media, 2007.

[ 4 ] Gore, Al. "Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech."  Al’s Journal . December 10, 2007. Retrieved April 10, 2008  http://blog.algore.com/2007/12/nobel_prize_acceptance_speech.html

[ 5 ] Lester, James D. & James D. Lester Jr.  Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, 11th Ed.  New York: Pearson Education, 2005.

[ 6 ] "Short History of SUNY." The State University of New York. 2008. Retrieved April 25, 2008.  http://www.suny.edu/student/university_suny_history.cfm

Still Have Questions?

APA Style (7th ed.)

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Why does APA even matter?

Click below to watch a video: .

How to cite in APA Style (7th edition)

(Looking for the old 6th edition guide?)

Most academic writing cites others' ideas and research, for several reasons:

• Sources that support your ideas give your paper authority and credibility
• Shows you have researched your topic thoroughly
• Crediting sources protects you from plagiarism
• A list of sources can be a useful record for further research

Different academic disciplines prefer different citation styles, most commonly  APA and MLA styles. 

Besides these styles, there are  Chicago ,  Turabian ,  AAA ,  AP , and more. Only use the most current edition of the citation style.

Ask your instructors which citation style they want you to use for assignments.

Prefer an interactive, video-based tutorial? Click the image below:

More questions? Check out the authoritative source: APA style blog

When to cite.

To avoid plagiarism, provide a citation for ideas that are not your own:

• Direct quotation
• Paraphrasing of a quotation, passage, or idea
• Summary of another's idea or research
• Specific reference to a fact, figure, or phrase

You do not need to cite common knowledge (ex. George Washington was the first President of the United States) or proverbs unless you are using a direct quotation. When in doubt, cite your source.

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• Last Updated: May 8, 2024 9:17 AM
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Citing Sources

It is important to cite sources used in research for many reasons:

• It shows that you have done the proper or thorough research of your topic by listing the sources of the information in your paper.  In addition it proves that you have read and understood what other researchers have to say about your topic.
• Maintains scholarly integrity by giving credit to other authors and researchers and acknowledging their research/ideas.
• You avoid plagiarism by quoting the words or ideas by other researchers. 
• It provides resources to validate your theories/research or as an alternative, the sources can serve as a counterpoint or validation for further research on your topic.
• Allows people to follow up on your research by finding and reading your sources.
• Contributes to future research and scholarship.
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A citation is a formal reference to a published or unpublished source that you consulted and obtained information from while writing your research paper. It refers to a source of information that supports a factual statement, proposition, argument, or assertion or any quoted text obtained from a book, article, web site, or any other type of material . In-text citations are embedded within the body of your paper and use a shorthand notation style that refers to a complete description of the item at the end of the paper. Materials cited at the end of a paper may be listed under the heading References, Sources, Works Cited, or Bibliography. Rules on how to properly cite a source depends on the writing style manual your professor wants you to use for the class [e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, etc.]. Note that some disciplines have their own citation rules [e.g., law].

Citations: Overview. OASIS Writing Center, Walden University; Research and Citation. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Citing Sources. University Writing Center, Texas A&M University.

Reasons for Citing Your Sources

Reasons for Citing Sources in Your Research Paper

English scientist, Sir Isaac Newton, once wrote, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”* Citations support learning how to "see further" through processes of intellectual discovery, critical thinking, and applying a deliberate method of navigating through the scholarly landscape by tracking how cited works are propagated by scholars over time and the subsequent ways this leads to the devarication of new knowledge.

Listed below are specific reasons why citing sources is an important part of doing good research.

• Shows the reader where to find more information . Citations help readers expand their understanding and knowledge about the issues being investigated. One of the most effective strategies for locating authoritative, relevant sources about a research problem is to review materials cited in studies published by other authors. In this way, the sources you cite help the reader identify where to go to examine the topic in more depth and detail.
• Increases your credibility as an author . Citations to the words, ideas, and arguments of scholars demonstrates that you have conducted a thorough review of the literature and, therefore, you are reporting your research results or proposing recommended courses of action from an informed and critically engaged perspective. Your citations offer evidence that you effectively contemplated, evaluated, and synthesized sources of information in relation to your conceptualization of the research problem.
• Illustrates the non-linear and contested nature of knowledge creation . The sources you cite show the reader how you characterized the dynamics of prior knowledge creation relevant to the research problem and how you managed to effectively identify the contested relationships between problems and solutions proposed among scholars. Citations don't just list materials used in your study, they tell a story about how prior knowledge-making emerged from a constant state of creation, renewal, and transformation.
• Reinforces your arguments . Sources cited in your paper provide the evidence that readers need to determine that you properly addressed the “So What?” question. This refers to whether you considered the relevance and significance of the research problem, its implications applied to creating new knowledge, and its importance for improving practice. In this way, citations draw attention to and support the legitimacy and originality of your own ideas.
• Demonstrates that you "listened" to relevant conversations among scholars before joining in . Your citations tell the reader where you developed an understanding of the debates among scholars. They show how you educated yourself about ongoing conversations taking place within relevant communities of researchers before inserting your own ideas and arguments. In peer-reviewed scholarship, most of these conversations emerge within books, research reports, journal articles, and other cited works.
• Delineates alternative approaches to explaining the research problem . If you disagree with prior research assumptions or you believe that a topic has been understudied or you find that there is a gap in how scholars have understood a problem, your citations serve as the source materials from which to analyze and present an alternative viewpoint or to assert that a different course of action should be pursued. In short, the materials you cite serve as the means by which to argue persuasively against long-standing assumptions propagated in prior studies.
• Helps the reader understand contextual aspects of your research . Cited sources help readers understand the specific circumstances, conditions, and settings of the problem being investigated and, by extension, how your arguments can be fully understood and assessed. Citations place your line of reasoning within a specific contextualized framework based on how others have studied the problem and how you interpreted their findings in support of your overall research objectives.
• Frames the development of concepts and ideas within the literature . No topic in the social and behavioral sciences rests in isolation from research that has taken place in the past. Your citations help the reader understand the growth and transformation of the theoretical assumptions, key concepts, and systematic inquiries that emerged prior to your engagement with the research problem.
• Underscores what sources were most important to you . Your citations represent a set of choices made about what you determined to be the most important sources for understanding the topic. They not only list what you discovered, but why it matters and how the materials you chose to cite fit within the broader context of your research design and arguments. As part of an overall assessment of the study’s validity and reliability , the choices you make also helps the reader determine what research may have been excluded.
• Provides evidence of interdisciplinary thinking . An important principle of good research is to extend your review of the literature beyond the predominant disciplinary space where scholars have examined a topic. Citations provide evidence that you have integrated epistemological arguments, observations, and/or the methodological strategies from other disciplines into your paper, thereby demonstrating that you understand the complex, interconnected nature of contemporary research problems.
• Supports critical thinking and independent learning . Evaluating the authenticity, reliability, validity, and originality of prior research is an act of interpretation and introspective reasoning applied to assessing whether a source of information will contribute to understanding the problem in ways that are persuasive and align with your overall research objectives. Reviewing and citing prior studies represents a deliberate act of critically scrutinizing each source as part of your overall assessment of how scholars have confronted the research problem.
• Honors the achievements of others . As Susan Blum recently noted,** citations not only identify sources used, they acknowledge the achievements of scholars within the larger network of research about the topic. Citing sources is a normative act of professionalism within academe and a way to highlight and recognize the work of scholars who likely do not obtain any tangible benefits or monetary value from their research endeavors.

*Vernon. Jamie L. "On the Shoulder of Giants." American Scientist 105 (July-August 2017): 194.

**Blum, Susan D. "In Defense of the Morality of Citation.” Inside Higher Ed , January 29, 2024.

Aksnes, Dag W., Liv Langfeldt, and Paul Wouters. "Citations, Citation Indicators, and Research Quality: An Overview of Basic Concepts and Theories." Sage Open 9 (January-March 2019): https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019829575; Blum, Susan Debra. My Word!: Plagiarism and College Culture . Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2009; Bretag, Tracey., editor. Handbook of Academic Integrity . Singapore: Springer Singapore, 2020; Ballenger, Bruce P. The Curious Researcher: A Guide to Writing Research Papers . 7th edition. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2012; D'Angelo, Barbara J. "Using Source Analysis to Promote Critical Thinking." Research Strategies 18 (Winter 2001): 303-309; Mauer, Barry and John Venecek. “Scholarship as Conversation.” Strategies for Conducting Literary Research, University of Central Florida, 2021; Why Cite? Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, Yale University; Citing Information. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Harvard Guide to Using Sources. Harvard College Writing Program. Harvard University; Newton, Philip. "Academic Integrity: A Quantitative Study of Confidence and Understanding in Students at the Start of Their Higher Education."  Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education 41 (2016): 482-497; Referencing More Effectively. Academic Skills Centre. University of Canberra; Using Sources. Yale College Writing Center. Yale University; Vosburgh, Richard M. "Closing the Academic-practitioner Gap: Research Must Answer the “SO WHAT” Question." H uman Resource Management Review 32 (March 2022): 100633; When and Why to Cite Sources. Information Literacy Playlists, SUNY, Albany Libraries.

Structure and Writing Style

Referencing your sources means systematically showing what information or ideas you acquired from another author’s work, and identifying where that information come from . You must cite research in order to do research, but at the same time, you must delineate what are your original thoughts and ideas and what are the thoughts and ideas of others. Citations help achieve this. Procedures used to cite sources vary among different fields of study. If not outlined in your course syllabus or writing assignment, always speak with your professor about what writing style for citing sources should be used for the class because it is important to fully understand the citation style to be used in your paper, and to apply it consistently. If your professor defers and tells you to "choose whatever you want, just be consistent," then choose the citation style you are most familiar with or that is appropriate to your major [e.g., use Chicago style if its a history class; use APA if its an education course; use MLA if it is literature or a general writing course].

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Are there any reasons I should avoid referencing other people's work? No. If placed in the proper context, r eferencing other people's research is never an indication that your work is substandard or lacks originality. In fact, the opposite is true. If you write your paper without adequate references to previous studies, you are signaling to the reader that you are not familiar with the literature on the topic, thereby, undermining the validity of your study and your credibility as a researcher. Including references in academic writing is one of the most important ways to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of how the research problem has been addressed. It is the intellectual packaging around which you present your thoughts and ideas to the reader.

2. What should I do if I find out that my great idea has already been studied by another researcher? It can be frustrating to come up with what you believe is a great topic only to find that it's already been thoroughly studied. However, do not become frustrated by this. You can acknowledge the prior research by writing in the text of your paper [see also Smith, 2002], then citing the complete source in your list of references. Use the discovery of prior studies as an opportunity to demonstrate the significance of the problem being investigated and, if applicable, as a means of delineating your analysis from those of others [e.g., the prior study is ten years old and doesn't take into account new variables]. Strategies for responding to prior research can include: stating how your study updates previous understandings about the topic, offering a new or different perspective, applying a different or innovative method of data gathering, and/or describing a new set of insights, guidelines, recommendations, best practices, or working solutions.

3. What should I do if I want to use an adapted version of someone else's work? You still must cite the original work. For example, maybe you are using a table of statistics from a journal article published in 1996 by author Smith, but you have altered or added new data to it. Reference the revised chart, such as, [adapted from Smith, 1996], then cite the complete source in your list of references. You can also use other terms in order to specify the exact relationship between the original source and the version you have presented, such as, "based on data from Smith [1996]...," or "summarized from Smith [1996]...." Citing the original source helps the reader locate where the information was first presented and under what context it was used as well as to evaluate how effectively you applied it to your own research.

4. What should I do if several authors have published very similar information or ideas? You can indicate that the idea or information can be found in the works of others by stating something similar to the following example: "Though many scholars have applied rational choice theory to understanding economic relations among nations [Smith, 1989; Jones, 1991; Johnson, 1994; Anderson, 2003], little attention has been given to applying the theory to examining the influence of non-governmental organizations in a globalized economy." If you only reference one author or only the most recent study, then your readers may assume that only one author has published on this topic, or more likely, they will conclude that you have not conducted a thorough literature review. Referencing all relevant authors of prior studies gives your readers a clear idea of the breadth of analysis you conducted in preparing to study the research problem. If there has been a significant number of prior studies on the topic, describe the most comprehensive and recent works because they will presumably discuss and reference the older studies. However, note in your review of the literature that there has been significant scholarship devoted to the topic so the reader knows that you are aware of the numerous prior studies.

5. What if I find exactly what I want to say in the writing of another researcher? In the social sciences, the rationale in duplicating prior research is generally governed by the passage of time, changing circumstances or conditions, or the emergence of variables that necessitate a new investigation . If someone else has recently conducted a thorough investigation of precisely the same research problem that you intend to study, then you likely will have to revise your topic, or at the very least, review this literature to identify something new to say about the problem. However, if it is someone else's particularly succinct expression, but it fits perfectly with what you are trying to say, then you can quote from the author directly, referencing the source. Identifying an author who has made the exact same point that you want to make can be an opportunity to add legitimacy to, as well as reinforce the significance of, the research problem you are investigating. The key is to build on that idea in new and innovative ways. If you are not sure how to do this, consult with a librarian .

6. Should I cite a source even if it was published long ago? Any source used in writing your paper should be cited, regardless of when it was written. However, in building a case for understanding prior research about your topic, it is generally true that you should focus on citing more recently published studies because they presumably have built upon the research of older studies. When referencing prior studies, use the research problem as your guide when considering what to cite. If a study from forty years ago investigated the same topic, it probably should be examined and considered in your list of references because the research may have been foundational or groundbreaking at the time, even if its findings are no longer relevant to current conditions or reflect current thinking [one way to determine if a study is foundational or groundbreaking is to examine how often it has been cited in recent studies using the "Cited by" feature of Google Scholar ]. However, if an older study only relates to the research problem tangentially or it has not been cited in recent studies, then it may be more appropriate to list it under further readings .

NOTE:   In any academic writing, you are required to identify which ideas, facts, thoughts, concepts, or declarative statements are yours and which are derived from the research of others. The only exception to this rule is information that is considered to be a commonly known fact [e.g., "George Washington was the first president of the United States"] or a statement that is self-evident [e.g., "Australia is a country in the Global South"]. Appreciate, however, that any "commonly known fact" is culturally constructed and shaped by social and aesthetical biases . If you are in doubt about whether or not a fact is considered to be widely understood knowledge, provide a supporting citation, or, ask your professor for clarification about how the statement should be cited.

Ballenger, Bruce P. The Curious Researcher: A Guide to Writing Research Papers . 7th edition. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2012; Blum, Susan Debra. My Word!: Plagiarism and College Culture . Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2009; Bretag, Tracey., editor. Handbook of Academic Integrity . Singapore: Springer Singapore, 2020; Carlock, Janine. Developing Information Literacy Skills: A Guide to Finding, Evaluating, and Citing Sources . Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 2020; Harvard Guide to Using Sources. Harvard College Writing Program. Harvard University; How to Cite Other Sources in Your Paper. The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College; Lunsford, Andrea A. and Robert Connors; The St. Martin's Handbook . New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989; Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace . 3rd edition. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2015; Research and Citation Resources. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Why Cite? Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, Yale Univeraity.

Other Citation Research Guides

The following USC Libraries research guide can help you properly cite sources in your research paper:

• Citation Guide

The following USC Libraries research guide offers basic information on using images and media in research:

Listed below are particularly well-done and comprehensive websites that provide specific examples of how to cite sources under different style guidelines.

• Purdue University Online Writing Lab
• Southern Cross University Harvard Referencing Style
• University of Wisconsin Writing Center

This is a useful guide concerning how to properly cite images in your research paper.

• Colgate Visual Resources Library, Citing Images

This guide provides good information on the act of citation analysis, whereby you count the number of times a published work is cited by other works in order to measure the impact of a publication or author.

Measuring Your Impact: Impact Factor, Citation Analysis, and other Metrics: Citation Analysis [Sandy De Groote, University of Illinois, Chicago]

Automatic Citation Generators

The links below lead to systems where you can type in your information and have a citation compiled for you. Note that these systems are not foolproof so it is important that you verify that the citation is correct and check your spelling, capitalization, etc. However, they can be useful in creating basic types of citations, particularly for online sources.

• BibMe -- APA, MLA, Chicago, and Turabian styles
• DocsCite -- for citing government publications in APA or MLA formats
• EasyBib -- APA, MLA, and Chicago styles
• Son of Citation Machine -- APA, MLA, Chicago, and Turabian styles

NOTE:   Many companies that create the research databases the USC Libraries subscribe to, such as ProQuest , include built-in citation generators that help take the guesswork out of how to properly cite a work. When available, you should always utilize these features because they not only generate a citation to the source [e.g., a journal article], but include information about where you accessed the source [e.g., the database].

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• Harvard Library
• Research Guides
• Harvard Graduate School of Design - Frances Loeb Library

Write and Cite

• Citing Sources
• Academic Integrity

When to Cite

• Citation Styles

Citation Style Guides and Resources

• Fair Use, Permissions, and Copyright
• Writing Resources
• From Research to Writing
• Grants and Fellowships

Reasons for citing sources are based on academic, professional, and cultural values. At the GSD, we cite to promote

• Integrity and honesty by acknowledging the creative and intellectual work of others.
• The pursuit of knowledge by enabling others to locate the materials you used.
• The development of design excellence through research into scholarly conversations related to your subject.

Cite your source whenever you quote, summarize, paraphrase, or otherwise include someone else's

• Words 
• Opinions, thoughts, interpretations, or arguments
• Original research, designs, images, video, etc.

How to Cite 

Citations follow different rules for structure and content depending on which style you use. At the GSD, mostly you will use Chicago or APA style. Often you can choose the style you prefer, but it's good to ask your professor or TA/TF. Whichever style you use, be consistent. We recommend using Zotero , a citation-management tool, to structure your citations for you, but you should always check to make sure the tool captures the correct information in the correct place.

• Chicago Style

 Chicago Style 

Citing print sources.

Footnote - long (first time citing the source)

1. Joseph Rykwert, The Idea of a Town: The Anthropology of Urban Form in Rome, Italy and the Ancient World , (New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1976), 35.

Footnote - short (citing the source again)

1. Rykwert, The Idea of a Town , 35.

In-text citation (alternative to footnotes)

(Rykwert 1976, 35)

Bibliography (alphabetical order and hanging indentation)

Rykwert, Joseph. The Idea of a Town: the Anthropology of Urban Form in Rome, Italy and the Ancient World . New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1976.

Chapter 

1. Diane Favro, “The Street Triumphant: The Urban Impact of Roman Triumphal Parades,” in Streets: Critical Perspectives on Public Space , ed. Zeynep Çelik , Diana Favro, and Richard Ingersoll (Berkeley: University of California Press,1994), 153.

1. Favro, “The Street Triumphant,” 156.

In-text citation (called "author-date," an alternative to footnotes)

(Favro 1994, 153)

Bibliography  (alphabetical order and hanging indentation)

Favro, Diane. “The Street Triumphant: The Urban Impact of Roman Triumphal Parades.” In Streets: Critical Perspectives on Public Space, edited by Zeynep Çelik, Diane G. Favro, and Richard Ingersoll, 151-164. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994.

Journal Article 

1. Hendrik Dey, “From ‘Street’ to ‘Piazza’: Urban Politics, Public Ceremony, and the Redefinition of platea in Communal Italy and Beyond” Speculum 91, no.4 (October 2016): 919.

1. Dey, “From ‘Street’ to ‘Piazza,’” 932.

Dey, Hendrik. “From ‘Street’ to ‘Piazza’: Urban Politics, Public Ceremony, and the Redefinition of platea in Communal Italy and Beyond.” Speculum 91, no.4 (October 2016): 919-44.

Citing Visual Sources 

Visual representations created by other people, including photographs, maps, drawings, models, graphs, tables, and blueprints, must be cited.  Citations for visual material may be included at the end of a caption or in a list of figures, similar to but usually separate from the main bibliography.

When they are not merely background design, images are labeled as figures and numbered. In-text references to them refer to the figure number. Sometimes you will have a title after the figure number and a brief descriptive caption below it. 

If you choose to include the citation under the caption, format it like a footnote entry. If you would prefer to have a list of figures for citation information, organize them by figure number and use the format of a bibliographic entry. 

The construction of citations for artwork and illustrations is more flexible and variable than textual sources. Here we have provided an example with full bibliographic information. Use your best judgment and remember that the goals are to be consistent and to provide enough information to credit your source and for someone else to find your source.

Some borrowed material in collages may also need to be cited, but the rules are vague and hard to find. Check with your professor about course standards. 

Citing Generative AI

The rules for citing the use of generative AI, both textual and visual, are still evolving. For guidelines on when to cite the use of AI, please refer to the section on Academic Integrity. Here, we will give you suggestions for  how to cite based on what the style guides say and what Harvard University encourages. We again recommend that you to ask your instructors about their expectations for use and citation and to remain consistent in your formatting.

The Chicago Manual of Style currently states that "for most types of writing, you can simply acknowledge the AI tool in your text" with a parenthetical comment stating the use of a specific tool. For example: (Image generated by Midjourney). 

For academic papers or research articles, you should have a numbered footnote or endnote

Footnote - prompt not included in the text of the paper

1. ChatGPT, response to "Suggest three possible responses from community stakeholders to the proposed multi-use development project," OpenAI, March 28, 2024, https://chat.openai.com/chat.

Footnote - prompt included in the text of the paper

1. Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, March 28, 2024, https://chat.oenai.com/chat

Footnote - edited AI-generated text

1. Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, March 28, 2024, edited for clarity, https://chat.oenai.com/chat

In-text citation  (called "author-date," an alternative to footnotes)

(Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI) or (Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, edited for clarity)

Chicago does not encourage including generative AI in a bibliography unless the tool also generates a direct link to the same generated content.

https://www-chicagomanualofstyle-org.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/qanda/data/faq/topics/Documentation/faq0422.html

 APA Style 

In-text citation  

(Rykwert 1976 p. 35)

Footnote  (for supplemental information)

1. From  The idea of a town: The anthropology of urban form in Rome, Italy and the ancient world by Joseph  Rykwert, 1976, New Jersey:  Princeton University Press.

Bibliography/Reference  (alphabetical order and hanging indentation)

Rykwert, J. (1976).  The idea of a town: The anthropology of urban form in Rome, Italy and the ancient world .  Princeton University Press.

In-Text Citation

(Favro   1994 p.153)

Footnote (for supplemental information)

1. From the chapter "The street triumphant: The urban impact of Roman triumphal parades" in  Streets: Critical perspectives on public space,  edited by Zeynep Çelik , Diana Favro, and Richard Ingersoll, 1994, Berkeley: University of California Press.

Favro, D. (1994) “The street triumphant: The Urban Impact of Roman Triumphal Parades.” In Zeynep Çelik, Diane G. Favro, and Richard Ingersoll (Eds.),  Streets: Critical Perspectives on Public Space ( pp.151-164). University of California Press.

(Dey 2016 p.919)

Footnote  (for supplemental material)

1. From the article “From ‘street’ to ‘Piazza’: Urban politics, public ceremony, and the Redefinition of platea in Communal Italy and Beyond” by  Hendrik Dey in   Speculum 91(4), 919.  www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/spc/2016/91/4

Dey, H. (2016). From "street" to "piazza": Urban politics, public ceremony, and the redefinition of platea in communal Italy and beyond.  Speculum 91 (4), 919-44. www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/spc/2016/91/4

Visual representations created by other people, including photographs, maps, drawings, models, graphs, tables, and blueprints, must be cited. In APA style, tables are their own category, and all other visual representations are considered figures. Tables and figures both follow the same basic setup. 

When they are not merely background design, images are labeled as figures and numbered and titled above the image. If needed to clarify the meaning or significance of the figure, a note may be placed below it. In-text references to visual sources refer to the figure number (ex. As shown in Figure 1..."). 

Citations for visual material created by other people may either be included under the figure or note or compiled in a list of figures, similar to but usually separate from the main bibliography.

Figures may take up a whole page or be placed at the top or bottom of the page with a blank double-space below or above it.

If you choose to include the citation under the figure, format it like a bibliographic entry. If you would prefer to have a list of figures for citation information, organize them by figure number and use the format of a bibliographic entry. Here is a detailed example. Some figures will require less bibliographic information, but it is a good practice to include as much as you can.

The construction of citations for artwork and illustrations is more flexible and variable than for textual sources. Here we have provided an example with full bibliographic information. Use your best judgment and remember that the goals are to be consistent and to provide enough information to credit your source and for someone else to find your source.

The APA style team currently says to "describe how you used the tool in your Methods section or in a comparable section of your paper," perhaps the introduction for literature reviews and response papers. In your paper, state the prompt followed by the resulting generated text. Cite generative AI use according to the rules you would use for citing an algorithm. Include the URL if it leads directly to the same generated material; otherwise, the URL is optional.

(OpenAI, 2024) 

Footnote   (for supplemental material)

APA does not yet provide a structure or example for a footnote. If you need to mention generative AI in a footnote, stay as consistent with formatting as possible.

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

These links take you to external resources for further research on citation styles.

• Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition Online access to the full manual through Hollis with a quick guide, Q&A, video tutorials, and more.
• CMOS Shop Talk: How Do I Format a List of Figures? A brief description of how to format a list of figures with an attached sample document.
• Documenting and Citing Images in Chicago A Research guide from USC with nice examples of images with citations.
• Harvard Guide to Citing Sources A guide from Harvard Libraries on citing sources in Chicago style.
• A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers A Chicago manual specifically for students with clear and detailed information about citing for papers rather than publications.
• Chicago Manual of Style Q&A Citing Generative Artificial Intelligence
• APA Style Common Reference Examples A list of sample references organized by type.
• APA Style Manual 7th Edition Online access to the full APA Style Manual (scanned) through Hollis.
• APA Style Sample Papers Links to sample papers that model how to create citations in APA.
• Formatting Checklist This page is a quick guide to all kinds of formatting, from the title page to the bibliography, with links to more detailed instructions.
• Harvard Guide to Citing Sources A guide from Harvard Libraries on citing sources in APA style.
• Journal Article References This page contains reference examples for journal articles.
• In-Text Citations in APA Style A place to learn more about rules for citing sources in your text.
• Tables and Figures This page leads to explanations about how to format tables and figures as well as examples of both.
• How to Cite ChatGPT Here are the APA's current rules for citing generative AI and ChatGPT in particular.
• MetaLAB AI Code of Conduct A proposed code of conduct generated by a collaborative of Harvard faculty and students.
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• URL: https://guides.library.harvard.edu/gsd/write

Harvard University Digital Accessibility Policy

• Hirsh Health Sciences
• Webster Veterinary

Citation Support

• Why We Cite
• Major Citation Styles
• Citation Shortcuts & Software

This guide is meant as a starting point for Citation Support at Tufts AS&E. We include an  overview of why we cite in academic work, links to print and online guides for the most commonly-used citation styles , and librarian-recommended  tools  that will make formatting your bibliographies easier. It is not meant to be comprehensive, as most tricky citation style and software questions are better answered directly by librarians.

If you have questions about citation styles or software, please Ask a Librarian   - we're happy to help!

Why Do We Cite?

Yes, we cite sources to

• Avoid plagiarism
• Give credit to the source of an idea
• Lend credibility to our arguments

And, we also cite sources to

• Allow us, and others, to follow the trail back to a source
• Bring diverse voices together in dialogue
• Participate in a scholarly conversation, situating our own voice in that larger, ongoing academic discussion

How We Use Sources: BEAM Model

Reflecting on Why We Cite also includes examining  How We Use Sources.

The BEAM model (Background, Exhibits, Argument, Method) is one illustration of the variety of ways we can use sources. We cite sources to achieve a variety of goals in our own work, and the same source could be used for different reasons in different contexts.

Bizup, Joseph. "BEAM: A Rhetorical Vocabulary for Teaching Research-Based Writing." Rhetoric Review vol. 27, no. 1, 2008, 72-86.

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• Last Updated: Oct 30, 2023 8:58 AM
• URL: https://researchguides.library.tufts.edu/citation

Citation & Style Guide

Why do we cite, when should i cite, how do i cite, how can i make citation easier, what if i don't cite.

• Chicago/Turabian
• Other Styles
• Zotero / Citation Tools
• Writing & Plagiarism
• Other Resources
• Annotated Bibliography

Research Librarians

We might worry that if we cite too often, it may seem like we don’t have any ideas of our own. In actuality, a paper using citations correctly proves we’ve done enough research to make credible arguments. It also shows our experience with scholarly standards. By citing your sources, your ideas will be taken more seriously by other scholars (including your professor!).

Give Credit Giving credit to the original source rewards other scholars for the hard work and creativity they contribute to advancements in their fields. Recognition inspires us to reach new heights. In some fields, citations even lead to career advancement.

Establish Your Credibility The more you know about your topic, the more credible your arguments become. By citing your sources, you prove that you have researched existing information and multiple viewpoints. In turn, readers will see that your theories and ideas are well-supported.

Help Your Readers Citations are like a roadmap to your sources. Sometimes seeing a quote in its original context helps readers understand it better. Citations can also guide your readers to more information about your topic.

Participate in an Academic Conversation No scholar works in isolation. We develop our ideas by learning about the work of others and researching existing information. In turn, your work contributes to this ongoing intellectual conversation and supports new research. When you cite your sources, you show how your work fits into your field of study.

Quote : direct quotations from another writer. You must both use quotation marks around direct quotes and cite them.

Paraphrase : restatement of someone else’s ideas.

Summary : summary of someone else’s work.

Data : reference to someone else’s research, findings, or data.

Charts/Graphs : inclusion of someone else’s charts or graphs.

Facts (sometimes): Knowing which facts require citation requires practice.  Generally, when information is not well known, is specialized knowledge, is in dispute, or might be colored by subjective interpretation, a citaiton is warranted. (Example: that Shakespeare was a Renaissance playwright is well known and generally accepted. This would not require a citation. However, the theory that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford was the real writer of Hamlet would be in dispute and require a citation.) When in doubt, provide a citation.

Websites : cite from websites just as you would from print sources.

Class Discussions : give credit for the ideas of someone else raised in a class discussion.

Your Own Paper : cite from your own work just as you would from published sources.

When Don’t I Have to Cite? You don't have to cite common knowledge. It's not always easy to know what will be considered common knowledge. You might think of common knowledge as information that can be found in a reputable general encyclopedia. (Example: George Washington was the first U.S. president.)

How Do I Cite? You should cite both within your paper and at the end of your paper. You should cite according to the citation style (e.g., MLA, Chicago, APA) recommended by your instructor or common to your field.

Within your paper : use an in-text citation immediately following the quote, summary, or paraphrase. Depending on the citation style you use, an in-text citation may include the author’s last name, page number, and/or year of publication. Alternatively, some style guides recommend the use of footnotes.

At the end of your paper : list all sources you used in your paper. Each listing should include the complete citation information (author, title, year of publication, place of publication, etc.). Your instructor will tell you whether this should include only sources you directly cited within your paper (“Works Cited” page), or a list of all sources you researched, even if you did not cite them directly (“Bibliography” or “Works Consulted” page).

What Are Citation Styles? A citation style is a set of agreed-upon rules for presenting citations in a standard format. Among other things, a citation style tell you whether or not titles should be capitalized, where to list the date of publication, and how to cite a webpage. When everyone uses the same format, it makes it easier to understand citations accurately. Different academic fields use different styles, so ask your instructor which one you should use. Some examples of common citation styles are MLA, APA, and Chicago.

Take good notes . Always include basic citations in your notes, including page numbers. Put quotation marks around any text quoted verbatim. If you are finding it difficult to take notes using your own words, quote directly instead and use quotation marks. (Paraphrases that are too similar to the original are considered plagiarism.) Don’t copy notes from someone else, since that person may have quoted another source without citing it appropriately.

Use citation management software . Use Zotero or another citation management tool to help keep track of your sources. Many of these tools allow you to take notes, link to resources and files, and automatically generate bibliographies. Cite as you write. Include any needed in-text citations or footnotes as you write your paper. Develop your bibliography as you go. Don’t wait. You may feel more pressure to rely too heavily on other sources if you wait until the last minute to write your paper. Writing earlier ensures that you will have the time to cite correctly. If you don’t think you can meet the deadline and are tempted to overuse other sources or skimp on your citations, request an extension. A late paper, even with a lower grade, is still better than dealing with the consequences of plagiarism. Use multiple sources. Using more than one source makes it less likely that you will inadvertently overuse a single source. Get comfortable with your own writing. Your instructor doesn’t expect you to sound like a published scholar, and neither should you. Published scholarly work is usually produced by academics with years of writing experience and research expertise in their field. Their articles and books have been through multiple drafts, revised, and edited by professionals. It’s ok to explain your ideas in your own words. If you need to use someone else’s words, just quote and cite them. Ask. Not sure if you are citing correctly? Need help figuring out if your paraphrase is too close to the original quote? If you have any questions about how to cite correctly, or if you need help figuring out what would be considered plagiarism, ask your instructor, a research librarian, or a writing tutor.

What Happens If I Don’t Cite? If you do not cite your source correctly, it is plagiarism. Plagiarism is academically dishonest and a violation of the Middlebury Honor Code. When you plagiarize, you are not giving credit to those whose research paved the way for your own. You also do a disservice to your readers, who are not able to consult your sources for more information.

According to the Middlebury Honor Code:

"Plagiarism is a violation of intellectual honesty. Plagiarism is passing off another person's work as one's own. It is taking and presenting as one's own the ideas, research, writings, creations, or inventions of another. It makes no difference whether the source is a student or a professional in some field."  -- Student Policies

Furthermore:

“Any infraction of the honor system is normally punishable by suspension from the College. However, the penalty may be modified when, in the opinion of the Academic Judicial Board, conclusive reasons warrant such action." -- Honor Code

As long as I cite, it’s ok to use someone else’s work, right? Wrong. Even if you cite the work of someone else, you may be plagiarizing, committing academic dishonesty, or violating copyright guidelines in some instances:

• overreliance on a source (plagiarism)
• paraphrase too closely resembles original text (plagiarism)
• using an image without permission (copyright violation)

Citing Information . UNC University Libraries. Web. 29 Aug. 2013.

Harvard Guide to Using Sources . Harvard College Writing Program. Web. 29 Aug. 2013.  

The EPH Survival Guide .   Academic Resources and Williams College Libraries, 2008. Web. 29 Aug. 2013. 

Using Sources . Yale College Writing Center. Web. 29 Aug. 2013.  

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Citing Sources

• Managing References
• Avoiding Plagiarism This link opens in a new window
• Style Guides
• Citational Politics

Getting Started

About citing.

Why do we cite our sources in research papers?

• Give credit where it's due and avoid plagiarism
• Contribute to a scholarly conversation
• Help others understand our work by tracing the origins of our ideas and research
• Help others continue research in the area that our paper is focused

When to cite

It can be difficult sometimes to figure out when to cite. Ultimately, there is no need to cite common knowledge or your own thoughts. However, if you're quoting someone's words, paraphrasing their work, or using their ideas, you need to cite them accordingly. When in doubt, cite it!

Where to Go

The Purdue OWL is one of the best places to go online to get information citing sources in a variety of styles. Use the buttons below to select the style of your choice.

Learn how to cite using American Psychological Association (APA) style: in-text citations, reference pages, and samples.

Learn how to cite using Chicago style. While the Purdue OWL link below works great, you should also check out the The Chicago Manual of Style Online.

Learn how to cite using Modern Language Association (MLA) style. While the Purdue OWL link below works great, you should also check out the MLA Handbook Plus .

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Why is Referencing Important?

Citations are not used simply to avoid plagiarism; they have other important roles too..

Referencing allows you to acknowledge the contribution of other writers and researchers in your work. Any university assignments that draw on the ideas, words or research of other writers must contain citations.

Referencing is also a way to give credit to the writers from whom you have borrowed words and ideas. By citing the work of a particular scholar, you acknowledge and respect the intellectual property rights of that researcher. As a student or academic, you can draw on any of the millions of ideas, insights and arguments published by other writers, many of whom have spent years researching and writing. All you need to do is acknowledge their contribution to your assignment.

Referencing is a way to provide evidence to support the assertions and claims in your own assignments. By citing experts in your field, you are showing your marker that you are aware of the field in which you are operating. Your citations map the space of your discipline and allow you to navigate your way through your chosen field of study, in the same way that sailors steer by the stars.

References should always be accurate, allowing your readers to trace the sources of information you have used. The best way to make sure you reference accurately is to keep a record of all the sources you used when reading and researching for an assignment.

Citations also make your writing more persuasive. 

Exercise: Look at the two paragraphs below: which one seems more authoritative?

The paragraphs are identical, except for the absence of citations from paragraph 1.

The first paragraph may be just as interesting as the second, but within an academic context, a context that requires you to show from where you have taken ideas, the second has far more authority, it is more persuasive. It shows that the ideas you are discussing are matters that are important to your particular academic community.

What kind of information do I need to reference?

Printed books are not the only sources that require acknowledgement. ANY words, ideas or information taken from ANY source requires a reference.

Reference when you are using words or ideas from:

• books and journal articles
• newspapers and magazines
• pamphlets or brochures
• films, documentaries, television programs or advertisements
• websites or electronic resources
• letters, emails, online discussion forums
• personal interviews
• lecturers or tutors. (Not always necessary but check with your lecturer or tutor about their preferences before you draw on their ideas.)

You also need to reference when you reprint any diagrams, illustrations, charts or pictures.

No need to reference when you are:

• writing your own observations or experiment results, for example, a report on a field trip
• writing about your own experiences, for example, a reflective journal
• writing your own thoughts, comments or conclusions in an assignment
• evaluating or offering your own analysis
• using 'common knowledge' (facts that can be found in numerous places and are likely to be known by a lot of people) or folklore
• using generally accepted facts or information. This will vary in different disciplines of study. If in doubt, ask your tutor.
• Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
• Academic integrity online module
• What is plagiarism?
• Intellectual insecurity
• Poor time management
• Lack of a clear argument
• Lack of critical and analytical skills
• Inadequate research
• Poor notetaking
• Why is referencing important?
• Underdeveloped writing skills
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Other plagiarism resources

Scholarly Resources 4 Students | scite.ai 21 May 2024

Discover your Library: Main Library 21 May 2024

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Getting Started with Research at Shapiro Library

• Citing Your Sources

Why do we Cite Sources?

It's not required to annoy you, we promise!  Citations are a critical component of proper academic work.  Why?

• Proper citations give your paper credibility and authority. Show off all that hard work you did!
• Documenting sources shows an understanding and respect for scholarly communications.  Give credit where credit is due.
• Citations help readers identify and locate your sources.

Use the navigation bar to the left to find information on APA style , MLA style , citation management tools , and more.

What is Plagiarism?

As defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, to plagiarize is:

"to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source : to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source." Source:  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plagiarize  

All of the following are considered plagiarism

• turning in someone else's work as your own
• copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
• failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
• giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
• changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit
• copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not (see our section on "fair use" rules)

What DON'T you need to cite?

• Common knowledge (e.g., the sun rises in the east and sets in the west).
• Your own opinions or experiences.

Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed, and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source, is usually enough to prevent plagiarism.

More Help Avoiding Plagiarism & Copyright Violation

For more information about avoiding plagiarism and copyright violation, use one of the links below:

• Copyright Information
• Copyright Clearance Center
• Copyright Advisory Network Resources
• Plagiarism: What It is and How to Recognize and Avoid It
• Plagiarism Tutorial from the University of Leicester
• Paraphrasing Exercise

For more help visit our Citation Guide . 

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Citation 101

• Wise Scholar: Integrity

Citation - Scholarly Integrity

When do we cite, plagiarism at calvin.

• What Are Citation Styles?
• Citing Images
• How Do I Manage My Sources?
• Where Do I Get Help?

Citation isn't just about arbitrary rules - it's about scholarly integrity!

When we cite our sources, we acknowledge that we are building off the research and thoughts of others. Whether we are using their exact words or just their ideas, as scholars of integrity, we need to note where these words and ideas have come from to give credit to the original source. To use other scholars' ideas or work without citation, claiming it as your own, is called plagiarism, which is a serious charge whether you're a student or a professional (see below for more on Calvin's policies on Academic Honesty and plagiarism).

Not only does citation honor and protect other scholars' work, it gives us more credibility too. When we share our research with our sources cited properly, our readers will know they can trust us, because we have gathered lots of evidence from other scholars to support our ideas, and we have been honest and transparent in this process. Plus, we help our readers in their own learning journey by listing those sources we've found useful, which they can then consult as well.

So, there is a reason for why we cite sources, and it is actually important! We all want to show our professors that we've done our assignments correctly, but we also want to develop habits of humility and integrity, as scholars who have learned from others and want to help others do the same.

**Basic Rule of Citation: Cite anything that originates from outside you - from the work of others' - that is not common knowledge.**

What is "Common Knowledge"? It can be tricky to determine what exactly is common knowledge, but think of it as non-specific, non-disputable statements or facts that most people know or could find in a general reference source like an encyclopedia (examples: Pollution is bad ; George Washington was the first president of the United States ; The Amazon rainforest is located in South America). When in doubt, ask your professor or a librarian!

• Calvin University - Academic Integrity Policy From the Office of Student Conduct, this page summarizes Calvin's policies on Academic Integrity and the exact definitions and processes for academic dishonesty, including cheating, falsification or lying in coursework, improper collaboration, multiple submission of the same work, stealing sources, and plagiarism
• Writing with Integrity The English Department and Rhetoric Across the Curriculum's resources for understanding citation and plagiarism - look here for definitions, links to Calvin policies, and tutorials to practice good writing
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• URL: https://library.calvin.edu/citing

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Citing Sources & Style Manuals

• About this guide
• Why is citing sources important?
• APA Examples
• APA Sample Papers
• MLA Examples
• Additional Resources

Why cite your sources?

Citing your sources is important for a variety of reasons, including:

• It gives credit to the authors of the sources you used
• It provides your reader with more information about your sources
• It shows your credibility
• It prevents plagiarism!

The easiest way to prevent plagiarism is by correctly noting your sources during research and citing your sources in your writing and presentations.

When to cite your sources

• When you use an exact quote
• When you restate or paraphrase an idea from a resource
• When you summarize a work
• All sources you use should be included in the References  or Works Cited  page

According to the Academic Integrity Honor Code ,  

Students may not plagiarize as it is an act of academic dishonesty and is defined as taking the ideas, writings, and/or words of another and representing them as one’s own. Two common forms of plagiarism involve the use of written or oral work of another person without giving proper acknowledgment and the use of the work of another person as one’s own. Over-sharing, which is copying numerical solutions, code, or lab experiments outside of collaborative assignments, is also considered plagiarism.

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7-Ethical Use of Sources

2. Why Cite Sources?

As a student citing is important because it shows your reader (or professor) that you have invested time in learning what has already been learned and thought about the topic before offering your own perspective. It is the practice of giving credit to the sources that inform your work.

Our definitions of academic integrity, academic misconduct and plagiarism, also give us important reasons for citing the sources we use to accomplish academic research. Here are all the good reasons for citing.

To Avoid Plagiarism & Maintain Academic Integrity

Misrepresenting your academic achievements by not giving credit to others indicates a lack of academic integrity. This is not only looked down upon by the scholarly community, but it is also punished. When you are a student this could mean a failing grade or even expulsion from the university.

To Acknowledge the Work of Others

One major purpose of citations is to simply provide credit where it is due. When you provide accurate citations, you are acknowledging both the hard work that has gone into producing research and the person(s) who performed that research.

Think about the effort you put into your work (whether essays, reports, or even non-academic jobs): if someone else took credit for your ideas or words, would that seem fair, or would you expect to have your efforts recognized?

To Provide Credibility to Your Work & to Place Your Work in Context

Providing accurate citations puts your work and ideas into an academic context. They tell your reader that you’ve done your research and know what others have said about your topic. Not only do citations provide context for your work but they also lend credibility and authority to your claims.

For example, if you’re researching and writing about sustainability and construction, you should cite experts in sustainability, construction, and sustainable construction in order to demonstrate that you are well-versed in the most common ideas in the fields. Although you can make a claim about sustainable construction after doing research only in that particular field, your claim will carry more weight if you can demonstrate that your claim can be supported by the research of experts in closely related fields as well.

Citing sources about sustainability and construction as well as sustainable construction demonstrates the diversity of views and approaches to the topic. In addition, proper citation also demonstrates the ways in which research is social: no one researches in a vacuum—we all rely on the work of others to help us during the research process.

To Help Your Future Researching Self & Other Researchers Easily Locate Sources

Having accurate citations will help you as a researcher and writer keep track of the sources and information you find so that you can easily find the source again. Accurate citations may take some effort to produce, but they will save you time in the long run. So think of proper citation as a gift to your future researching self!

Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research Copyright © 2015 by Teaching & Learning, Ohio State University Libraries is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Why Citing Sources is Important

The purpose of this guide is to explain to students the importance of documenting works of other people consistently and to provide insights into the best practice of source citation.

Citing sources used in a paper is a requirement of academic writing applied by almost all educational or scientific institutions. Therefore, it is necessary for students to understand why they need to cite the resources they use, as well as how to do so correctly. In general, citations are references to the sources that have been examined and utilized in producing a paper.

Why do we cite sources

Citing sources is a method that enables students to acknowledge and use the ideas of other authors in their work. It is also a way for the reader to quickly identify and locate sources of materials referenced by the writer, to familiarize themselves with these studies, and to verify the accuracy of the data provided. Moreover, citing works allows students to demonstrate the scope and depth of their own research by quoting the available publications on the topic and revealing the existing body of literature.

The main reasons for citing the works of other people are as follows:

• This is the main method of avoiding situations where a student might be accused of plagiarizing someone else’s thoughts or ideas.
• Correctly cited sources allow the audience to locate any literature used in the paper. The reader will not only form a positive opinion regarding the reliability of the work but will also get a chance to enrich their knowledge of the theme by being able to check other available literature.
• Proper referencing implies that the student has carried out research on the existing body of knowledge as applied to their topic. It also shows that they are capable of engaging in a discussion using a critical approach, which enhances the overall impression of their work.
• The analysis of the available literature ensures that the researcher can offer a context to the discussion, as well as explicate why they have an alternative viewpoint. In addition, it provides an opportunity to prove that there is a gap in the way the academic community comprehends the issue under analysis. Citing sources is one of the key ways in which to establish the credibility of the researcher.
• By referencing someone else’s ideas, students and researchers secure their reputation. This is particularly applicable to situations when the data provided in the cited work turn out to be irrelevant or incorrect.
• In future roles, as professional researchers, students will be able to cite the intellectual property of other investigators correctly without discrediting their own reputation, while also eliminating the possibility of legal action initiated due to plagiarism.

What is the Difference between Citation and Reference?

The fundamental difference between a citation and a reference is that a citation is a specific resource that the student has discussed in the body of the paper and is indicated by an in-text citation. References, on the other hand, are placed at the end of the document and provide full publication details for the in-text citations. References are also listed in alphabetical order in the majority of cases.

How to Cite Sources

Citing works used in a paper is a method which allows students to delineate their own creative ideas from those proposed by other people and to specify the source from which the particular data has come from. It is important to note that there are different citation styles, each of which with their own peculiarities. It is always necessary to consult the instructor or mentor to know which particular citation style should be used and it is essential to be consistent in formatting throughout the whole text. Notably, each style has its own rules for reference entries and in-text citations (see Table 1). All sources mentioned in the reference list should always be cited in the body of the paper. Some of the main citation styles are:

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Modern Language Association (MLA)

Table 1. Three Examples of Different Citation Styles

Check out this link to find a variety of guides and tools for academic referencing. Access to these resources is completely free so that students can easily boost their academic performance.

Referencing Works of Other People

Students should always reference works of other people, but this does not imply that their own paper lacks originality. If researchers fail to cite any literature it will appear that they have not conducted research on the topic and have not analyzed the literature available to them, leading to questions regarding the reliability of any conclusions made. Citing sources is the best way to avoid accusations of plagiarism and to show that the student is aware of previous research in the given field.

Ideas Already Presented by Another Researcher

Notably, if a student discovers that the idea they have is already mentioned by someone else, they must reference the other author’s work. In the body of the paper, they may acknowledge that some research supports their idea, which will additionally stress the importance of the discussion. However, it is of paramount importance to explicate the way their new research expands or updates the body of existing knowledge.

Adapted Version of Someone Else’s Work

If a learner decides to offer an adapted version of someone else’s work in their paper, they should still reference the original writing. Citation requirements are applicable not only to direct quotes but also to ideas and data that have been developed by other people. Therefore, students should stress that the information they provide is adapted from some specific source and include this work in the reference list.

Similar Information Discussed in Several Sources

It should be mentioned that some topics are studied more exhaustively than others, which implies that several authors might propose similar ideas. In that case, learners may provide the data they have found, or that they consider crucial, and indicate that this information is supported by many researchers (their names should be listed in the body of the paper). Importantly, separate reference entries should be provided for each work cited.

Older Published Sources

The date of publication does not change the fact that a source should be cited; all resources should be referenced when the ideas from them have been used in a paper. However, it is necessary to try to use as up-to-date literature as possible to provide the most relevant and reliable information in the area. When applicable, students should cite the revised versions of books and other publications.

Thus, it can be concluded that citing sources is an essential part of academic writing, which affects the quality of the entire paper and reinforces its credibility. Students need to master this skill since it will allow them to quote the ideas of other people correctly and avoid accusations of plagiarism. Moreover, referencing the existing body of knowledge shows that the learner has carried out research on the topic and is well-informed when making certain statements or proposing new hypotheses for validation.

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A publication of the harvard college writing program.

Harvard Guide to Using Sources 

• The Honor Code

Why Use Sources?

College writing assignments generally ask you to respond in some way to sources. Some assignments will require you to consult only sources assigned in class, while others will require you to locate your own sources relevant to a specific research topic. In many of your courses, your research will focus primarily on written texts such as books and scholarly articles, but you may also be asked to consult a variety of other sources, including letters, diaries, films, works of art, data from experiments, numerical data, surveys, and transcripts of interviews.

What constitutes a useful and reliable source will vary according to both your assignment and the methods used in a particular field of study. As you approach a paper in an unfamiliar field, it will be important to remember that within each field of study, scholars distinguish between primary sources, or the raw material that they analyze as they attempt to answer a question, and secondary sources, or the analyses of that raw material done by other scholars in the field. For example, for literary scholars, primary sources include fiction and poetry, while secondary sources include criticism written by other scholars about those literary texts. Historians, on the other hand, grapple with primary sources such as letters, diaries, and eyewitness accounts produced at the time of an event, as well as with secondary sources such as arguments presented by other historians. Sociologists tend to rely for raw material on quantitative data, such as surveys, censuses, and other statistics, or qualitative data, such as observation and interviews.

Social scientists in some fields, such as psychology and economics, also consider empirical journal articles (articles that describe the results of original research) published in peer-reviewed journals to be primary sources. These articles provide raw material for other scholars, who may then raise questions about the published results or develop new research based on these results. Social scientists in other fields, such as anthropology and history, however, do not consider research articles primary sources because articles in these fields do not typically present raw data. For these social scientists, journal articles would be secondary sources. For all social scientists, literature reviews and published books are considered secondary sources.

Natural scientists consider empirical articles published in peer-reviewed journals to be primary sources. These published results of experiments and analyses of data provide the raw material for other scientists to consider as they pursue their own research. Secondary sources in the natural sciences include literature reviews and books.

As a college student taking courses in many different fields, you will need to ask questions about what is considered a reliable source in each new field, and about how sources can be used appropriately in that field. At the same time, there are many common principles for using sources effectively that you will be able to carry with you from course to course. For more information on using sources in different disciplines, you can consult the Harvard Writing Project series of writing guides for specific courses and concentrations. If you are writing a paper for a course in the Government department, you should consult GovWrites for guidance. If you are writing for an anthropology course, you should consult AnthroWrites . If you are writing for a course in one of the Life Sciences fields, you should consult ScienceWrites .

When in doubt, of course, you should always consult your instructor.

• What Are You Supposed to Do with Sources?
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Video: Citation: A (Very) Brief Introduction

What is citation? And why do we do it? This video explains.

At some point in your career as a student, you've probably had a teacher tell you to cite your sources while writing a research paper. But what is citation? And why do we do it? 

Citation is the practice of identifying the sources you have quoted, paraphrased or otherwise used in your writing...and it's pretty standard practice in academic writing. 

Citation serves several purposes. For one, it allows your reader to follow up on and to verify claims that you make in your writing. And it gives you the opportunity to acknowledge the people whose ideas you have used to advance your argument. 

Essentially, you are recognizing that your research and scholarship builds upon the work and the ideas of many others who came before you. The result is that citation helps readers see the connections between books and articles published by many different authors... as well as how they connect to your own ideas. 

There are many different styles of citation, established by various academic and professional organizations. The most common styles, however, are MLA, APA, Chicago, and CSE. 

Most styles involve a two part process. First, you acknowledge a source with a brief notation after you use it in the body of your paper. Then you provide more detailed information about the source at the end of your paper in a works cited list or a bibliography. 

This more detailed entry will include essential publication information about the source, including the title of the work, the author, and the date of publication, so that your readers can find it. Each citation style has a published guide outlining all the details of how to use it... And there are also many online tools to help. 

If you have any questions about citation as a practice or about a particular citation style, ask a librarian for help!

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