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Citations are a way to tell your reader that some ideas in your paper, project, or presentation were borrowed from another source. Each citation should:
When in doubt, ask your instructor which citation style to use for your paper or project. Some of the most widely used citation styles include:
Want to build your own database of references and research as you collect them? View the Mendeley Research Guide
When you cite a full-text article retrieved from a Webster University Library database, some citation styles require you to cite the database name and/or a URL. Here’s how the University's most-used citation styles address this issue:
There are a number of software programs available that help students store references and notes, create bibliographies, etc. While not needed for every assignment, they are useful for when you are gathering a large number of articles and other resources for projects such as capstone papers, theses, and dissertations. Some of the main citation management software applications are listed here.
Whether you are an experienced academic writer or this is your first paper, Webster University's Writing Center offers writing support for students. Find help with all kinds of research projects, including "reports; résumés and cover letters; admission essays and personal statements; summaries, critical analyses, and literature reviews; research and term papers; theses and dissertations; and more." Writing Center coaches are available at all stages of the writing process from brainstorming to draft revision and everything in-between.
Visit Writing Support to:
The advantage of using library databases is that the articles and reports are generally from well-recognized business publishers. However, many government agencies and industry associations employ experts and distribute valuable information on the Web. And, checking a company's website for their annual report (if a public company), their mission statement and their product marketing can help you to get a sense of their corporate culture. Before you use any information, but especially from the Internet, ask yourself "Is it C R A A P?"
The CRAAP acronym was coined by Sarah Blakeslee at Meriam Library at California State University.