It can sometimes seem like teachers are telling
students two contradictory things when they say don't plagiarize but they
expect you to do research using library resources and to incorporate
that information into your paper.
The two main points to remember is
first of all, it is not plagiarism if you cite your sources correctly
and second, as the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers reminds
us, "the main purpose of doing research is not to
summarize the work of others but to assimilate and to build on it and to
arrive at your own understanding of the subject," (Gibaldi 4). Think of quotes, facts and ideas
gleaned from your research as the seasoning in your paper. If you add
too much seasoning to a dish, it ruins it. Add just the right amount
and it helps to enhance the flavors that are already there. Therefore,
use outside sources to help lend support to your own ideas or as possible
topics to refute, but the main component of the paper should still be your
own.
There are several
different prescribed formats for citing sources. The one you use might
be determined by your teacher or by the discipline. Certain
disciplines use a particular style for citing sources. For example,
the humanities (art, music, literature) uses the MLA Handbook for Writers
of Research Papers or MLA Style. The social sciences (psychology, sociology,
anthropology) uses the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association or APA Style.
Both of these style manuals are available in the library. There are
copies of each in the reference collection and copies on reserve that can be
checked out for one week. The call numbers are listed below.
LB2369.G53
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
BF76.7.P83
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
In addition
to the manuals, which can sometimes seem a bit intimidating, the librarians
put together quick handouts that show examples of how to cite some of the
most commonly used types of sources. To access these, click on the
link below. The handout will open in a new window. Print it out
and close the window to return to the tutorial.
MLA Style Handout
(PDF 23kb)
APA Style Handout (PDF
181kb)
