Cite it right: the SourceAid guide to citation, research, and avoiding plagarism

“With great power there must also come – great responsibility!”
-Stan Lee (Stanley Lieber ),
US Comic Book Creator (1922-)
Used in the original Spiderman story
(Shapiro, 2006)

We have never had so much power in our ability to search and retrieve information that leads to new knowledge. This abundant power brings with it a number of complex issues that require our attention. In the past, where you started your research (books) was the same place that taught you how to research. Today, information is everywhere and more often you begin your research with a question typed into a single online search box. While searching Google is in many ways very powerful, it does not in effect help you with the scholarly responsibility that comes with it. But you will continue to find this help via the library: in person, online, and by making use of its diverse collection of resources.

All of the reference resources of I have selected are important for learning the research process while also making it easy for you to find, share and be responsible for that learning in ways not previous imagined. But perhaps the most important of these research tools is the one that teaches you the basics of proper citation. It is important to use proper citation of our resources because when we don’t, regardless of intention, we are plagiarizing another author’s work and are accountable to consequences academically, professionally and, in some cases, legally. Most of all, we miss out the opportunity and power of real learning. When it comes to searching, gathering, and sharing information, we operate habitually in a ‘cut and paste’ environment. But researching in this way is tricky because it is very easy to cut and paste, but harder to keep track of whose ideas came from where.

Cite it Right (Fox, et al., 2007) is a tool for understanding how to use the most common citation style(s) expected for your research papers. This guide will also introduce the concepts of organizing your research and understanding the process and ethics involved, including real-world examples of plagiarism. Cite it Right presents the four most common citation styles (MLA, APA, CMS, and CSE) in one place with an easy to understand format. Each citation style also has its own manual that you should use as well and eventually include in your own reference collection.


Fox, T., Johns, J., & Keller, S. (2007). Cite it right: The SourceAid guide to citation, research, and avoiding plagiarism. Osterville, Mass: SourceAid LLC.

Shaprio, F.R. (2006). Yale Book of Quotations. New Haven: Yale University Press.