Throughout the research process it is important for you to keep track of your information sources. Fortunately, many of the electronic databases you will be using offer you the option to download, print or email the citations to the material you find. This is a great way to keep track of the information you're considering.
Citing sources is a key part of your research: it documents what sources you have used in writing your paper and gives credit to an author's work that you have used. It also gives information to identify and retrieve the cited sources.
There are many citation styles available and the preferred style varies between disciplines. Consult your syllabus and/or assignments to determine which citation style is acceptable for your coursework. Consult the Library's Citing & Citation Management page for help.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious offense. Citing your sources is one way to avoid plagiarism. To test your knowledge of plagiarism and how to avoid it, try this interactive tutorial (Flash must be enabled on your computer) created by Vaughan Memorial Library, Acadia University:
You Quote It, You Note It!
Student Academic Success Services at Queen's has a guide to help you through the writing process and avoid plagiarism.
