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ESL Guide

Direct any comments to jcombs@nvcc.edu

Citing Sources

The NOVA library catalog and many of the article databases provide citations. These citations should be carefully checked for accuracy.

You can also ask a librarian for help, or consult the websites listed below.

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 reproducequoteparaphrase, 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.