Citing and Referencing

The ability to cite and reference your sources is an essential skill. Complete and consistent referencing shows the depth of your research and allows other scholars to build on your work. It also avoids the dangers of plagiarism.

There are many different styles of referencing so you should consult with a member of staff for your department's preferred style. In all cases, consistency of style is of paramount importance.

The Library holds copies of Julie Allen's Citing & Referencing: A Guide for Students, 2nd edition (Dublin: The Library, DCU, 2005).

It is important to keep an accurate record of your references. For advanced researchers, the Library provides access to Refworks, a web-based referencing tool.

For a useful guide to citing online resources, see the Internet Detective.