ENG 110 NYC Sciallo

• Authors whose work you cite must be given credit.
• Your professors want to make sure you're using reputable, credible sources.
• If people want to examine the data you use, they need to know where to find it.
• If people want to trace the origins of your argument, they need to know where your ideas come from.
• If you don't cite your sources, you could be accused of plagiarism. 

Citing the sources of information you used is not really hard; it just takes a bit of time. There are many different citation styles, but most students need to learn to follow the conventions of MLA or APA.  Style guides are about more than just citing sources of information or ideas. Guides can help you improve the style of your writing and avoid bias, for example.

Any citation you provide should enable your reader to find that source. Make sure your citation gives the reader the information they  need to find the source you used.

Most of the major style guides (MLA, APA, etc.) can be found at Pace University's Campus Libraries. Information you need to locate the style guide books (call numbers and locations) can be found here. Look for the Call Number, which is like the address of the book. Ask at the Help Desks on the 4th or 5th floor  if you're having trouble finding a book.