Introduction | Finding Information | Book Classification | Writing References | Plagiarism | Copyright

Writing References: Introduction

This leaflet will show you how to reference and cite a range of materials – both printed and electronic. There are many ways of referencing your work. It is best to be consistent and stick to one system. The system used here is the HARVARD SYSTEM.

When you are writing a piece of work it is important to include a detailed list of all the references you have used at the end of an essay or assignment. This not only helps the reader to identify and locate the materials that you have used, it also prevents you committing plagiarism (the copying of someone else’s work or ideas). This list is called a bibliography.

You should also acknowledge any quotations, ideas or conclusions that you have taken from another person’s work in the main body of the essay. This is called a citation.