LibAnswers: Referencing

When writing a piece of work you should provide references to the sources used.

A reference is the detailed bibliographic description of the item from which you gained your information.

In simple terms, this means the details of the items that you have used, e.g. author, title, date of publication.

References are briefly cited within the text, and then given in full at the end of your work in a reference list.

Any other items read for background information but not referred to in the text can be given in full at the end of your work in a bibliography (if required).

Various citation styles exist. They convey the same information, only the presentation of that information differs. You should always check with your department to find out which referencing style they prefer you to use.

Most style guides fall into two commonly used systems:

• author-date system (e.g. Harvard (Cite Them Right), APA);

• numeric system (e.g. Vancouver, MLA, IEEE).

The university’s default style is Harvard (Cite Them Right). However, your programme may require you to use a different style. Check your programme or module handbook and if you are not sure, ask your lecturer or tutor.

Whichever system you use, it is important that you are consistent in its application.  The Cite Them Right web site provides detailed guidance and templates to help you with your referencing.