Introduction

Background

When to Cite

Citation Forms

Information Needed

Examples

Other Sources

Conclusion

Printable Checklist

Background Information

What does it mean to cite or document a source?

To cite or document a source is to tell the reader whose ideas are included in your paper and where these ideas were found.

There are formats or rules to follow for citing sources, and these formats are described in publications called style manuals. Style manuals instruct you on the order of the information in your citations.