Why citation matters
When you write a research paper or complete an assignment, you must give credit to the people who created the ideas and information you use. Citing your sources strengthens your arguments and shows that you have done your research. It also helps you avoid plagiarism, which is presenting someone else's work as your own.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for every student at Wrenford Polytechnic. Whether you study in the School of Health Sciences, the School of Business & Media, or the School of Skilled Trades & Transportation, you will likely need to cite sources in your courses. The styles listed below are the ones your instructors will ask for.
Referencing styles we cover
The Library provides style guides and citation generators for four formats. Check with your instructor to see which one your course requires.
- APA (American Psychological Association)
- MLA (Modern Language Association)
- Chicago
- IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
How to cite your sources
- Identify the style your instructor wants. Look at the course outline or ask in class.
- Read the style guide for that format. The Library has step-by-step instructions for in-text citations and reference list entries.
- Use a citation generator to save time. Enter the book, website, or journal article details into the generator. It will create a formatted citation for you.
- Double-check the generated citation. Generators can make mistakes. Compare the output with the official Library guide to make sure it is correct.
- Insert the citation into your assignment. Place the in-text citation where you use the idea, and add the full reference to your bibliography or reference list.
Fees and deadlines
There is no fee to use the Library's style guides or citation generators. There are no deadlines for using these tools, but it is best to start your citations early in your research process. This gives you time to fix any formatting errors before your assignment is due.
Contact the Library
If you need help finding a source or formatting a citation, visit the Falls Library & Learning Commons on the Benchlands Campus. You can also email the Library or call during regular hours.
Address: 1500 Benchlands Drive, Wrenford, ON N4Q 2B1
Phone: 519-555-0178
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; weekends, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (term time)
Visit the Library page for more resources.
Book a consultation with a librarian at Learning Commons & Tutoring.