Citation Help Page: Home

Why Citations Matter

There are many reasons why it is important to cite the resources that you consult when researching a paper. The most important of these are:

• Gives credit to authors whose works you have used (whether you quote them or not).
• Provides a trail by which others can locate the materials you consulted.
• Provides evidence of your research.
• Properly citing materials is one strategy to help you avoid plagiarizing.
• You should check with your instructors about the style they want you to use.
• When in doubt, remember that the goal of your citations is to help a reader who wishes to consult your sources directly.