Introduction to Library Research

Citation: A (Very) Brief Introduction by NC State Libraries 

Why do we Cite?

• To give credit to the original source
• To establish your credibility - by citing you prove that you have done research on your topic
• To help your readers find the original sources in order to learn more about your topic
• To participate in academic conversation - when you cite your sources you show how your work fits in with the scholarly conversations already happening on a topic or in a field of study

You should cite any time you use or reference information that is not common knowledge and that you borrowed or read in a source. 

• Quotes: Always cite direct quotations from another writer. Direct quotations must always be in quotation marks and include an in-text and references page citation. 
• Paraphrase: Always include an in-text and references page citation when you paraphrase, or restate someone else's ideas. 
• Summary: Always include an in-text and references page citation when you summarize or mention someone else's writing, research, findings, and/or data. 
• Charts & Graphs: Always include an in-text and references page citation when you include someone else's charts, graphs, or infographics. 
• Facts: When information is not well-known, is specialized-knowledge, is in dispute, or may be interpreted multiple ways, a in-text and references page citation is needed. Facts that are common knowledge, like Neil Armstrong was the first human to step on the moon, do not need citation. Information and unproven theories, like the fact that some people dispute the moon landing as fake, would need accompanying citations. When in doubt, cite! 
• Discussion posts: Always provide credit if you restate the thoughts of another classmate in a discussion post. Example: As Ryan said in his post, [ . . .]. 
• Your own paper: If you paraphrase content from a previous class paper you've written, you must cite yourself both in-text and on the references page. 
• When citations aren't needed: You don't have to cite common knowledge. Example: George Washington was the first U.S. President.

When in doubt, cite your sources! 

There are a handful of different citation styles to choose from based on the subject you are writing in and your personal preference. Usually, your instructor will request a specific citation style, in which case you should follow their instructions. APA is the most common citation style used on the Great Falls College campus. 

What are citation styles?

Citation styles are a set of agreed upon rules and formatting guidelines. These are created so that citations are standardized according to the style you have chosen. This ensures that all citations are completed in the same way. You can find guidance for common citation styles by using our Citation Quick Guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, AMA). 

Within your paper (in-text citations):

Each citation style will require you to include in-text citations accompanying a quote, summary, or paraphrase of borrowed information. This will look slightly different depending on which citation style you use, so it is always important to follow the specific guidance for the style you have selected. 

At the end of your paper (references page): 

Additionally, at the end of your paper you should list all of your sources included in the text of your paper in alphabetical order by last name. Each listing should include complete source information as described by the applicable citation style guidelines. 

• Take good notes: always write down basic citation information when taking notes for a research assignment or paper. Be sure to use quotation marks around direct quotes. You can also highlight and write margin notes for relevant information from an electronic or physical copy of a work. 
• Cite as you go: It is much easier to write your in-text citations as you are writing, rather than waiting until you finish your paper to add them. If you wait until the end you risk missing a citation (plagiarism) or forgetting which source you borrowed the information from. Develop your references/works cited page during the research process, you can always remove citations you don't end up using. 
• Don't wait: Don't put off research and finding appropriate sources until the last minute. It usually takes a couple of research sessions to find appropriate sources and to plan out how you will use them to support your arguments. The longer you wait to do this, the more stress you will be under, and you will have less time to make sure you are citing your sources properly. 
• Use multiple sources: Always make sure you use a handful of sources when writing. This ensures that you don't over-cite a singular source, and allows you to develop a wider knowledge of your topic. Many instructors will require you to use multiple sources to show that you engaged with the material and developed your thoughts and arguments. 
• Ask for help: If you are stuck or unsure if you are citing sources correctly, ask for help. Citation styles can be confusing at first, so it's okay to ask for help! Both the library and the writing tutors with the Academic Success Center are here to help you develop your research and writing skills. 

Quoting, Paraphrasing and summarizing created by Brigham Young University. For APA specific citation guidance please consult a style guide or Weaver Library's Citation Quick Guide.

How to Paraphrase created by the QUT Library. For APA specific citation guidance please consult a style guide or Weaver Library's Citation Quick Guide.