A citation tells a reader where we got information, facts, or ideas that are not our own. When we paraphrase or use direct quotes, we use a short in-text citation at the end of the quote or paraphrased text. At the end of the essay, paper, or presentation, we give a list of detailed information about each work cited so that others can locate the original sources. This is called a Works Cited or References Page.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's words, ideas, or line of thought without acknowledgement. Even when plagiarism is inadvertent - the result of careless note taking, punctuating, or documenting - the writer is still at fault for dishonest work, and the paper will be unacceptable. To avoid plagiarizing, learn to recognize distinctive content and expression in source materials and to take accurate, carefully punctuated, and documented notes.

There are two important reasons for citing.  First, keeping track of sources is important because academics value being able to trace the way ideas develop. Second, it is only fair to give credit to those that created the ideas or works.

A citation style is a standardized way of providing citations. It make it easier for the writer and the reader because everyone knows what information about a source is given and where to look for it. At GCC, MLA and APA styles are mostly used, while CSE and Chicago are occasionally used.

is a free citation tool