This LibGuide was designed to assist students, faculty, and staff with a brief overview of how to cite your sources when writing a paper. It is recommended to use the designated manuals and style guides for each style.
There are different styles which format the information differently, so select the tab for the style you need and take a look at some examples.
Why is citing important?
Citing your sources to properly document where the ideas you are using came from. It allows your readers to follow up on ideas you mention, for your professor to verify your claims, for you to acknowledge the people whose work you're building upon, and for you to prevent committing plagiarism. Each citation consists of two parts: the in-text citation, which provides brief identifying information within the text, and the references, a list of sources that provides full bibliographic information.
"Plagiarism is intentionally or knowingly presenting the work of another as one’s own (i.e., without proper acknowledgment of the source). The sole exception to the requirement of acknowledging sources is when the ideas, information, etc., are common knowledge."
Some examples of plagiarism include:
What is considered "Common Knowledge"?
"Common Knowledge" is information that's considered widely known or easily verified and doesn't need to be cited.
Common knowledge can change depending on your culture, geographic location, age, or other factors. For example, information about American presidents might be common knowledge in the United States, but might not be common knowledge in another country.
Source: https://www.plagiarism.org/article/what-is-plagiarism
The RRCC Library is happy to assist RRCC faculty, staff, and students with questions concerning copyright and fair use of copyrighted materials, in consultation with CCCS System Office as needed. Contact Robert Vaughn, Library Director, for assistance.
Copyright Resources
For more information visit the official website for the U.S. Copyright Office.
Lakewood Campus (2nd Floor East)
Arvada Campus, Learning Commons
Phone: 303.914.6740
Email: library@rrcc.edu
