Citations


Why We Cite Courses

Citation is an important part of scholarly communication.  Citation helps scientists share information and evidence, inviting others into the conversation. It also shows that you've done your research and you are familiar with the work that has already been done your topic.

Citation is an opportunity to:

  1. Acknowledge the work of others 
  2. Add credibility to your own work
  3. Place your work in an academic context 
  4. Help your reader to easily find your sources

Citation:  Tapping into the Research

Citation is also a great way to find additional sources.  

Who else is Citing this Research?

Science Database:  Look for Times Cited to see other researchers citing this article

Article on Sea otters and kelp forests in Alaska in the Science database with "Times Cited:  177 on ProQuest" highlighted.

Google Scholar:  Look for Cited by to see other researchers citing this article.

Articles on Sea otters and kelp forests in Alaska in Google Scholar with "Cited by: 1,094" highlighted

References: What Research are they citing?

If you find a good article, look at their References to to find additional sources on your topic.

The first page of a reference list from a scientific article with hundreds of references.


Adapted from LIBR 10 Information Research Cabrillo College