Library Home: Writing Help (The Write Way): Citing Sources

What You Need To Understand

Give credit where it is due, it is the smart (and ethical) thing to do.
Bonus: You also avoid plagiarism (theft of credit) by citing sources.

How a citation is like a treasure map
Copyright and Copy Rights
The copyright owner has the right to make a profit on every copy.
Fair Use
Makes use of copyrighted material without permission legal, under certain circumstances. Usually, just one copy for personal non-commerical educational use. Does not include workbooks unless copyright owner grants permission.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is theft: Taking credit for an idea, image, or other original piece of content that you did not originate.
APA and MLA examples from the "Write Way" can be found on [For Students/TLC] tab of Blackboard.
"Write Way" box also has link for WCONLINE (Appointments/ Registration)

How do I write a citation?

Use only one citation style per project (APA or MLA most common). Ask your teacher what style they prefer.

Use suggestions provided by databases when available.

Ask your teacher if the database cite suggestion is good enough, or whether you need to further check your style with a style manual (especially in technical and upper level writing courses).

Copy/paste and alphabetize citations yourself, or use a citation manager if you have a large number of resources.

[Blackboard's Student/TLC] tab has box with WRITE WAY details & more.

Need extra help with writing assignments?
Come to the Second Floor of the Student Success Center on the FVTC-Appleton Main Campus to find .

Email "The Write Way" using thewriteway@fvtc.edu
APA and MLA examples from the "Write Way" can be found on [For Students/TLC] tab of Blackboard.
"Write Way" box also has link for WCONLINE (Appointments/ Registration)

Why Cite or Attribute Works?

All borrowed content (Copyrighted, Public Domain, Open Licensed, Artifact, etc.) must be cited or attributed to original creator as an ethical, legal, and professional duty.
Make it easy for another person to re-search for item and be confident they are looking at the version or original of the item you viewed - so they can judge your commentary or use based on the same material(s) you had available.

TASL Attribution:
Title of work
Artist/author/creator & Date it was created/published
Source: Copyright owner if not creator (Repository, Museum, Publisher, etc.)
License if using Creative Commons or other opening license.

Providing proper sourcing information will make your work more useful, and for a longer period of time.

Table of Contents: Copyright & Citing Sources

Table of Contents: Writing Help

Writing Help Home
This library guide provides tips on how to find a topic, review an article, write an essay, and other writing related topics. Don't forget to keep citation information on any article you might need later.
CARS (Creating a Research Space)
Mnemonics: RADAR RAVEN CRAAPP
Citing Sources
Find & Define Your Topic
How does it impact your choice of career?
Grammar, Punctuation, Literary Terms
Purpose, Tone & Bias & Proofreading
Text Structure & Analysis
Tips for writing an article review
Vocabulary
Word & Sentence Parts
Writing Process
Writers' Reference Books