Why Cite Sources?

Why Cite Sources?

(Scholars don't cite only to avoid plagiarism)

Join the scholarly conversation

You are a scholar now, what is being discussed?

Give credit to authors

Authors are people whose work and time have value

Add authority to your work

Show that you know what you are talking about

Leave a trail for other scholars

Allow others to verify and build on your scholarship

Place your work in context

Where does your scholarship fit in the conversation?

Communities of scholars create meaning by examining the various perspective and interpretations of a topic. Citing sources indicates awareness of and engagment in forwarding the collective knowledge of your chosen field.

Citations situate your research within the broader academic landscape. By referencing relevant works, you demonstrate how your ideas fit into, build upon, or challenge existing knowledge in your field. Readers will be able to understand the significance of your contribution and how it advances the current state of scholarship.

By attributing ideas, theories, and findings to their creators, you demonstrate respect for their contributions. Scholarship requires investment of time, and often money, and citations are an acknowledgment of the value of the information created by fellow scholars.

Citing sources indicates that you have spent time and energy engaging with other works of scholarship on your topic and understand the relevent issues and ideas. You will give your research authority by demonstrating your effort towards becoming a subject matter expert and showing that your research is building on existing scholarship.

Citations create a roadmap of your research, allowing readers to follow the path of your ideas and verify your interpretations. Providing this trail allows other scholars to discover related works and find additional resources about your topic and use this information in their own research.