2. It is proof. It adds credibility to your argument by showing your research and conclusions are based on reliable information.
3. It is understood. Scholars in your discipline use this standardized format to communicate and share information.
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Chat reference is available 24/7.*
* On evenings and weekends, a non-CSUSM librarian may respond to chat questions.
CSUSM Librarians will not be available for chat from December 24 - January 1. Non-CSUSM librarians will be available 24/7.
Telephone: (760) 750-4391
Email your subject librarian at any time for specialized help (expect a 24-48 hour turnaround time).
For general research questions email us at libref@csusm.libanswers.com
For holidays and early closures, refer to Library Building Hours.
1. It is ethical. You avoid plagiarism by giving credit to the people whose ideas and research you use.
2. It is proof. It adds credibility to your argument by showing your research and conclusions are based on reliable information.
3. It is understood. Scholars in your discipline use this standardized format to communicate and share information.
Citation is an important step in the research process because it's a way to prove the the credibility of your work. Students often express concern that excessive citation might reveal lack of original ideas, when in fact acknowledging and crediting other researchers substantiates your own work, and shows that you're a responsible scholar. Citing your sources also extends the scholarly conversation because you're providing the context of your argument within the academic field of study.
We also cite sources to avoid plagiarism, which the CSUSM Academic Honesty Policy defines as:
Intentionally or knowingly representing the words, ideas, or work of one's own in any academic setting including:
(a) the act of incorporating the ideas, words, sentences, paragraphs, or parts thereof, or the specific substance of another's work, without giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as one's own work;
(b) the act of putting one's name as an author on a group project to which no contribution was actually made; and
(c) representing another's artistic/scholarly works such as musical compositions, computer programs, photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, or similar works as one's own.