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Why Cite Your Sources?

Why cite your sources?

  • Citing sources used to write your paper shows how widely you've read -- a good thing!
  • Others can gauge the reliability of the information in your paper or project. Through your citations, readers can locate the sources you used and evaluate the accuracy of the information for themselves.
  • Others can better conduct their own research. You direct them to both the sources you used and to the resources those sources cite.
  • You give credit where credit is due when you clearly state that the information you're presenting draws from the work of other people. When you present others' research or ideas as your own, intentionally or not, that's plagiarism. Make sure that you understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it, both in your academic and professional life. For more information, visit our Prevent Plagiarism guide. 

What style should I use?

  • Check with your instructor for requirements for a particular assignment. At STLCC the MLA (Modern Language Association) citation style is used in most English and Communications classes. The APA (American Psychological Association) style is used in Nursing, Psychology, and many Social Sciences and Teacher Education classes. 

St. Louis Community College Libraries

Florissant Valley Campus Library
3400 Pershall Rd.
Ferguson, MO 63135-1408
Phone: 314-513-4514

Forest Park Campus Library
5600 Oakland
St. Louis, MO 63110-1316
Phone: 314-644-9210

Meramec Campus Library
11333 Big Bend Road
St. Louis, MO 63122-5720
Phone: 314-984-7797

Wildwood Campus Library
2645 Generations Drive
Wildwood, MO 63040-1168
Phone: 636-422-2000