Bibliographic Documentation

Citing Sources

In the process of writing a paper, if you directly quote, summarize, or paraphrase another person(s) work, you must give credit to that person.  Documentation is an important function and the need for accuracy is critical because the information you provide enables your audience to find the sources you have used in your writing.  It is important to define these terms:

 Quoting – Copying another person(s) work directly as is it is written.

 Summarizing - Briefly stating what the other person(s) has written.

 Paraphrasing – Rewording another person's information.

All information sources used in your paper need to be documented including the following formats: books, encyclopedia articles, periodical articles, Internet sources, and media.

 If you don't document the sources others have used in their research, you are plagiarizing.  Plagiarism is essentially stealing another person(s) ideas and work using their creation as if it were your own.