Citing sources
It is important to cite your sources correctly. When writing academic texts, you need to demonstrate that you are well-informed of relevant research in your field and you should relate such findings to your own work.
It is important to cite your sources correctly. When writing academic texts, you need to demonstrate that you are well-informed of relevant research in your field and you should relate such findings to your own work.
What is the difference between quoting and paraphrasing? You either quote directly from the text or rephrase main ideas in your own words.
When citing, you select a number of relevant information sources which are closely related to your subject and which support your arguments and views. You always have to acknowledge that you are using someone else's ideas or formulations.
Your paraphrases and quotes are to be integrated into your text and commented on. Use adequate reporting phrases to introduce your sources. It is essential that paraphrases and quotes are correctly attributed to the original information source. By applying citation guidelines, you also avoid plagiarising someone else's work or ideas. Use the reference style that your lecturer recommends, for instance APA, Harvard, IEEE or Vancouver.
Reporting phrases indicate that you are using a source. Here are some examples:
When using reference management systems, you can import references from databases, insert references into documents and prepare a list of cited works for your essay or report.
At the Library we offer support regarding Zotero and Mendeley.
Zotero is a free program that works best with the web browsers Firefox, Google Chrome och Safari. With an add-in for Word, LibreOffice or Google Docs, you can insert references and bibliographies into your document.
Zotero is installed on computers in the library as well as in computer rooms and classrooms throughout the university.
You may use Zotero on your own computer without creating an account. In this case, no information is sent to Zotero. If you choose to create a Zotero account, the personal data you provide, such as your name and email address, will be processed in the United States.
Mendeley is a free programme available in two versions: Mendeley Desktop and Mendeley Reference Manager.
To use Mendeley, you need to create an account on mendeley.com. This may mean that your personal data is processed in a country outside the EU.
Mendeley Desktop is the original version. It has an add-on for Word and LibreOffice which you use for inserting source references and bibliographies in your document.
Mendeley Reference Manager is newer and has an add-on for Word called Mendeley Cite which is still under development. Basic functions such as inserting references and bibliographies are available, however certain other functions such as changing the language for references to Swedish are not available yet.
If you need support in your writing process, for instance with citing and referencing, you can contact the Writing Centre in the Library.