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!EFSC LibGuides Repository

Contains common information boxes for linking.

Before you start citing...

Check out the BILT Tutorial to find out about Citing Materials.

Citing From Databases

Many databases can help you start writing your citations by providing the basic information you'll need. Just remember that the information will include the author, title, journal, issue, pages, and the name of the database, but not necessarily in the formatting you'll need.

BILT: Basic Information Literacy Tutorial

Module 8: Citing Materials

  • Plagiarism: When must I document a source?
  • Introduction to documentation
  • Basic MLA citation format (Library-based databases)
  • Basic MLA citation format (with examples) of web resources
  • Citation examples of print reference materials

For further examples of citations consult the following sources:

*Remember that your instructor is the final authority on your assignment and may require slightly different formatting.

Citation help from databases

When using the databases, many of them will offer citation help. In EBSCO databases access the Citation help through the link to the right.

 

A new window will open with examples of different citation styles. ENC classes use MLA:

 

 

Citation Basics

                                 
The finishing touch on your research is your citation page. The citations provide a list for you to track all the work you've done in creating your paper. It not only provides evidence of your hard work, it also enables other people interested in what you've written to expand upon your ideas.

Developing a viable research topic requires some critical thinking skills. Save yourself time by using the BILT process to focus your research. In addition, Purdue's Online Writing Lab provides a good introduction on understanding your assignments and choosing a topic.

 



Citations

  • Most of the databases will have citation examples or link to them
  • Many books and ebooks will provide citation examples
  • Examples of MLA style are on the Libraries' web page or in the adjacent box on this page
  • The campus Writing Centers can help - call or email them for assistance
  • Each campus library has MLA books for you to use

Plagiarism

Plagiarism frequently happens unintentionally for a variety of reasons. Don't let these happen to you:

  • You think something is common knowledge and it isn’t
  • The information from a web page wasn't cited properly and now you're giving credit to the wrong person
  • You can't remember where you got the information because you have so many sources
  • You've revised your paper and after all the changes you can't remember where the information came from
  • You've revised your paper and accidentally removed quotation marks

Usually this happens when you’re working in a hurry or have your information disorganized. Prevent this by using the online folder applications in databases or Google Documents when using web pages. In these folders you can store the original articles or URLs so when the time comes to write your citations, you're ready to go.

Instructors at EFSC have chosen the MLA style of citation for Comm 1. In addition to the examples from your textbook, The Writer's Reference, here is some general information.

Citing Resources

Two of the most common citation styles in use at EFSC are APA and MLA. Check with your instructor for the preferred citation format.

APA Citing Help

Most health sciences disciplines use the APA citation style from the American Psychological Association. Check with your instructor for the preferred citation format.