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Citation Guide: Using Sources for Research

Use these links to learn more about properly citing sources you refer to within your research papers or other assignments!

This is better than Google!

 

Note: Not all subscription resources available through the library can be searched in the MCTC Search box above. Head to our AtoZ library resource page to see a full list of online collections to support your research needs! As always, reach out to the library staff with help finding sources! Visit this page to schedule help. 

Truth about the Internet!

A major challenge with searching for information on the Internet is determining what is useful and what is not.

Not all web sites are truthful or reliable.

  • Anyone can put together a legitimate looking site.
  • Web pages are not regulated or monitored.
  • Don't be so ready to "cut and paste" what you find into your research paper.

Evaluating Websites

Rules about using free websites:

  1. Use library resources FIRST in your research!
  2. The Internet is another place to search for information on a reseach topic.
  3. The Internet should not be the first place you go!
  4. The Internet can be very useful, if used wisely.
  5. Be sparing in using what you find on the Internet for a paper.

How do I decide if this book is helpful?

How do you decide if a book might be useful for your research? Below are some tips to help you make a decision.

1. If the title of the book contains your topic keyword or phrase, it might be appropriate to use for your project.

2. The table of contents, usually located near the beginning of a book, is another good place to look for information about a topic. These are usually listed as chapter headings.

3. The book index is your friend! Always consult the index, located at the end of the book, for your topic.

4. Your topic may be be covered in a book according to different terminology but through similar concepts so be sure to look for other keywords or terms that are related to your chosen topic.

Note the author, title, publisher, place of publication and date for each book. You will need this information for your assignment. Make sure you understand the assignment and which citation format to use.

Primary v. Secondary Sources

Doing research can involve looking for different types of sources, such as primary and secondary sources. Be familiar with the differences between these two types of sources.

  • Primary Sources: Primary sources are original historical records such as letters, manuscripts, diaries, memoirs, speeches, interviews, government documents, photographs, audio recordings and oral histories, videos or other objects or artifacts relating to historical events or works of art. records created at the time historical events occurred or well after events in the form of memoirs and oral histories. Primary sources may include
  • Secondary Sources: Secondary sources are documents written based on the information provided by primary sources and offer historical perspective or an author's interpretation or analysis. Examples of these kinds of sources include journal and magazine articles, newspaper articles, books, encyclopedias and textbooks.