Nursing Research

Why Cite?

Why should I bother to include citations in my research papers?

You should always site your sources

• to give credit to authors/creators used.
• to lend credibility to your work.
• to help readers locate sources papers, projects, and speeches.

When is it necessary to cite a source?

Whenever quoting or paraphrasing someone else’s ideas, to avoid plagiarism you must cite your source.

What does it mean if a source is “in the public domain”?

If a source is listed in the public domain, it can be used freely by anyone--but you still need to cite it!

What is it called when copyrighted works can be used for teaching, research, and other educational purposes?

This is called "Fair Use.”

Do I need to cite “fair use” sources?

Yes, you always need to cite your sources!

Which types of sources need citations?

All types of sources need citations: books and articles, interviews and speeches, government documents, reports, pamphlets, non-print media (videos, CDs, music), and computer software.

Where can my friends and I go for help on citing sources?

• ask your instructor or library staff for help.
• check to see if the databases provide accurate citations.
• look under database HELP tabs.
• ask at the Circulation Desk for manuals and handbooks, like the APA and MLA style guides.

Getting Citations from Your Searches

If you find a book, article, or other resource that you'd like to use for an assignment, you can also access the citation in a variety of formats. This will save you time when constructing your reference or works cited page.

REMEMBER TO CHECK CITATIONS FOR ACCURACY BEFORE INCLUDING THEM IN YOUR WORK.

On the results page, click the link of the resource you'd like to use. Under "Send to" click on "Citation" and select "APA."