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History: Cite Sources

RefWorks

You can easily compile and format your citations using RefWorks. For help contact the Research Desk, Writing Center or your library liaison.

Why Cite Sources?

When you quote or paraphrase the idea of another person in your research paper or speech, you must provide a proper citation for the source in a bibliography or list of references. This gives credit to the author and enables the reader to locate the resource you cited. 

Providing references for sources you used also lends credibility to your work, especially if you use authoritative sources. 

If you use other people's ideas and do not give them credit by providing proper references to their work, you are committing plagiarism. Plagiarism is an honor code violation as well as a federal crime. 

Content courtesy of NSU Libraries.

Use the Cite Feature

Many databases have a "cite button" that will give you citation information. 

EbscoHost Databases:

JSTOR:

Understanding Citations

In your research, you will need to understand how to interpret the citations you find in indexes and bibliographies, as well as how to cite sources in your own bibliographies.


Interpreting Citations

A citation is a reference to a source of information. It should include enough identifying information, including such information as the author, title, and source, so that a reader can locate a copy of the item. Citations may reference any type of information including: 

  • Book 
  • Essay or chapter in a book 
  • Journal article 
  • Magazine article 
  • Newspaper article
  • NSU MARP or practicum 
  • Conference proceeding 
  • Dissertation 
  • Internet document 
  • ERIC ED document
  • Government document 
  • Speech 
  • Radio or television broadcast 
  • Video or movie