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Citation Styles and Management Tools Guide

Overview of citations and guides to commonly used citation styles.

Why is Citation Important?

Whenever you quote, paraphrase, summarize, or otherwise refer to the work of another, you must cite the source.

Your citations are like your paper's family tree. They show the differences between the ideas of others and your own response. Citation helps clearly document the research you have done on your topic, and it is very useful as you evaluate and engage with the work of others.

Citations:

  • Give credit where credit is due
  • Allow your readers to verify your research
  • Help your readers situate your ideas within a scholarly conversation
  • Allow you to strengthen your argument by properly introducing evidence
  • Help you avoid plagiarism

If you have any questions about citations, you can Ask a Librarian for help.

Understanding Citations

The UConn Library's guide Understand Citations provides more guidance on the purpose of citations, integrating sources into your paper, and how to read citations.

Writing Center

Need help using all the great sources you've found for a paper? Make an appointment with UConn's Writing Center in Homer Babbidge Library (Level 2) or one of the regional campus writing centers: