Need Help?
For individual research help, schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian.
Citation Styles: APA, MLA & Chicago
Useful Websites
Many of the article databases that NOVA subscribes to, such as Proquest and Ebsco's Academic Search Complete, will provide citations. These citations should be carefully checked for accuracy.
You can also ask a librarian for help, or consult the following websites:
Why and When to Cite
Why to Cite:
- Give credit to the authors of the sources you used.
- Provide evidence you did research -- good, credible sources give your work more authority.
- Allows your reader to locate the sources you used.
- Avoid plagiarism.
When to Cite:
You should cite a source if you reproduce, quote, paraphrase, or summarize ideas and/or media created by other individuals. When in doubt, cite!
Plagiarism
Plagiarism Has Consequences:
Plagiarism may not seem like a big deal, but there can be some severe and/or long lasting effects:
- Failing grade (assignment and/or course)
- Note on transcript for academic dishonesty
- Loss of financial aid
- Academic probation or expulsion
- Limited career opportunities (can become a barrier to getting a job or can cause loss of employment)
Types of Plagiarism:
There are many different types of plagiarism, including self-plagiarism.