So how do you know when to cite? A few basic rules apply.
1. If you quote a resource, cite it.
2. If you paraphrase someone else's idea or statement, cite it.
3. If you state a fact that is not common knowledge, cite it.
4. If you're unsure, cite it.
Source ManagersEndNote, is a desktop client you install on your computer and EndNote Basic (formally Web), free to to ISU students, faculty, and staff, is a web-based service similar to RefWorks. Both programs help organize your sources and prepare bibliographies Zotero is a free browser-based program for managing Open Web sources. Find out more from the Quick Start Guide. It was developed at George Mason University. Citavi Free allows for up to 100 references. Search for, manage, organize and cite sources. |
Citation GeneratorsCitation Machine DocsCite KnightCite The APA Wizard and The MLA Wizard Tweet2Cite |
When you research a topic you may use information from articles, books, or the Open Web to support your ideas. Building upon the ideas and knowledge of other people is the way we as individuals build and contribute to the knowledge around us.
When you integrate other peoples' ideas and work into your own, it is importent to give those authors credit for their hard work. This enables others, who see your work, to also look at those peoples' ideas that have contributed to your project. To cite means that you state where you found the information so that others can find the exact item again.
Tips for researching and citing:
1. Take clear, accurate notes about where you found specific ideas.
2. Write down the complete citation information for each item you use.
3. Take advantage of online citing tools.
4. Use quotation marks when directly stating another person's words.
5. Always credit original authors for their information and ideas.
For more help on citing, consult this e-book: Cite right: a quick guide to citation styles -- MLA, APA, Chicago, the sciences, professions, and more