Any time you use a quote, summarize, paraphrase or any way refer to works created by other authors, you must provide an appropriate citation within your research paper as well as a separate comprehensive Reference (APA) or Works Cited (MLA) page listing all sources used in your work.
There are different citation styles or formats used by authors for their research, such as MLA (Modern Language Association) or APA (American Psychological Association).
Although MLA format is typically within most diciplines within the liberal arts, always consult your syllabus or ask your instructor to find out which format you need to use to cite your sources.
This guide will provide you with some library resources as well as online websites to help you cite it right!
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica Online, "plagiarism is the act of taking the writings of another person and passing them off as one's own. The fraudulence is closely related to forgery and piracy—practices generally in violation of copyright laws."
It is considered plagiarism when you use another author's work and do not provide a citation or give credit otherwise!
Do you struggle with doing research? Do you have trouble figuring out what resources to consult for research? Are you confused about MLA or APA citation? Then, you should check out the Research Succes Toolkit! The link to this LibGuide below will provide you with a roadmap to complete your next research assignment from start to finish.
If you need help, please let us know, click here to
Ask A Librarian through email.
Photo Credit: Abhi Sharma (Flickr)
Print the worksheet to use for any research project for any class.
Below is a list of reference books located within the MCTC Libraries to help you properly cite your resources.
MLA Handbook by 
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association by 
Doing Honest Work in College by 
Writing the Research Paper by