Citation Formats

Why Should You Cite Your Sources?

• Knowledge is cumulative, and we build new knowledge based on the work of others. Citing your sources enables your readers to access information. Sharing knowledge benefits all.
• Whatever your field, you gain credibility as a thinker and writer when you cite your sources.
• In many countries, including the U.S., research and other creative work is considered intellectual property; its originators must be credited for their work.
• Carefully documenting your sources prevents you from plagiarizing, a serious ethical offense.

What Should You Cite?

• Cite the source of directly quote print and electronic information and images (except established facts commonly known to your reader) (examples).
• Cite the source of a concept, principle, interpretation, design, or technique, etc. (examples).
• Cite any text you paraphrase or summarize (examples).

What Citation Format Should You Use?

• Citation formats differ by disciplines. For example:
  • APA commonly used in the social sciences & business
  • MLA commonly used when working with literature
  • CSE commonly used in the sciences and engineering
  • IEEE commonly used in engineering

  Before you choose a format, check with your professor or a journal from your field. 

  • You must cite your sources both in your text and in a list of references at the end of your work.
    • Clarkson offers RefWorks to all students. Using RefWorks, you can create a database of your sources, easily add in-text citations and create your bibliography.
    • You can also find information about different formats at Duke Citations Reference.
    • Find information about citing electronic sources at Bedford St. Martins.