When writing research papers it is important to cite all the resources you used. As you're conducting your research be sure to collect the citation information from each book, article, or Website you find. Whether you quote directly from one of these sources or put the ideas in your own words you must cite it. If you don't cite correctly you could be found guilty of plagiarism.
Citations are easy to find in the Library's databases; many of which allow you to email the correctly formatted citation to yourself. Basic citation information includes the title of the work, author, publisher, date, and perhaps source. Use the citation templates to find what information you need to collect for your sources.
Citations allow others to look at the sources you used for your research. This is an essential part of your research and paper. Most Library databases will format citations in MLA, APA, and other styles. Free citation generators are also available on the internet just be sure to check for mistakes.
You can also contact the Writing Center for help writing and editing your papers. Contact the Library for extra help with the databases and citations.
Not sure about what a citation is? Try Marquette University's interactive citation tool. This great resource lets you pick apart a citation, and see how it works.
Become an MLA Ninja, try MLA Play from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
The college considers plagiarism to be an act of academic dishonesty and can and will take disciplinary action against students who plagiarize the work of others
The Slippery Business of Plagiarism
This article gives some great examples of the different types of plagiarism and the repercussions of using someone else's work.