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I. The Research Process

Citation Resources

Most databases provide a citation tool that will generate a citation for your paper. However, we always recommend double checking the generated citation against a citation template, because errors can sneak in. Look for a link icon or cite button on the margins of your article, like this: 

screenshot of cite button from ebscohost databasescreenshot of cite button with a quotation mark iconscreenshot of cite button from JSTOR database

Research is, in effect, building on the ideas of others. It helps you grow as a researcher to acknowledge what other researchers have contributed. By learning from others, you can be more informed, and it fosters academic collegiality where you get to be part of the conversation. Citing the sources that you use is an important part of academia and being a professional in your field.

For help with citation styles and sources, please see our Citation Resources guide.


If you need help writing or formatting your paper, we recommend visiting the Writing Center on the 3rd floor of the library.