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COMM13729: Art of Technical Communications

Citing Sources

Citing your Sources

Following a recognized citation style by a credible organization (ex. APA, MLA) improves consistency between assignments, helps your professor understand what you have cited, and empowers others to find information for themselves.

Choose a Citation Guide

Track your Sources

When collecting information from a variety of sources, be sure to:

Rewriting an author's words in your own words helps you organize, retain and understand the material you are reading. In your notes, always:

  • Include any information about the source that will help you find it again - author, title, year, database where it was found, etc.
  • Identify the page or paragraph number where the information was found.
  • Distinguish between paraphrases and direct quotes.

Citation managers help you manage citations from library databases and other sources and automatically generate reference or works cited lists in the citation style of your choice. They can really help speed up the citation process, but you do need to check that they are accurate.

Citation Managers

Especially helpful for web pages. Keep your sources organized on your desktop, or save the files to a USB or your Sheridan account. The URL is automatically included in the .pdf footer.

Converting web pages to PDF

APA Style Guide

Select on the links below to learn how to cite common sources in the APA Style:​

View the entire APA Style Guide for more information, and see below for additional examples.

APA Citation Examples

Clip Art 

Common sources of clip art images are Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. Depending on the licenses associated with the images, the citations will vary:

  • If a license requires credit to use the image, an APA style copyright attribution and reference list entry.
  • If a license does not require credit to use the image, no reference or attribution is necessary.
  • Typically clip art images (from Microsoft Word or PowerPoint) can be used without attribution.

To include an in-text citation:

  • Add a note in-text following the image. The note can consist of a description, the program name and date. Be sure to follow your course guidelines as format preferences may differ. 

Example:

Note. Study group sitting at a table. Image from Microsoft PowerPoint, 2010. Apr 1, 2022.

Check out Clip Art of Stock Image References for more information.

Avoid Plagiarism

There are many different types of plagiarism. Don't get caught accidentally falling into the plagiarism trap! Browse this summary to learn what not to do:

Before submitting your assignment, download and complete the Checklist for Assignments. Plus, practice these good academic skills to ensure your success:

  • Start assignments early and read them thoroughly so that you understand the requirements.
  • Work on your time management skills to avoid running out of time to cite properly.
  • Take careful notes and include reference information for each source you access.
  • Learn to cite properly; asking a citation specialist if you need help.
  • Use Turnitin before handing in your assignments.
  • Get help with paraphrasing, summarizing and quoting at Tutoring.

Contact the Academic Integrity Office if you have any questions on plagiarism. Learn what can happen if you do plagiarize by reading the Academic Integrity Policy and Academic Integrity Procedure.

Student Interviews: Plagiarism by Sheridan Library on YouTube

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