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Referencing made easy

Learn about referencing and what the Library can do to support you regardless of which referencing style you're using.

What is referencing?

Students using pc

Referencing is an important part of the academic writing process.

The reasons we reference are to:

  • acknowledge your debt to other authors' intellectual property
  • demonstrate the body of knowledge upon which your research is based (this is often an important assessment criteria)
  • enable your reader to locate your sources easily
  • avoid accusations of plagiarism.

References are full details of all the sources you have used (cited) in your work, typically in a list at the end of your work.

Citations are partial references within the main body of your text. Citing a work commonly involves incorporating the author or creator of a work into your text. This links your reader to the full reference typically found in a list at the end of your text.

There are many different referencing styles. Your tutor will advise you which system is preferred for your course or module.

Referencing styles

There are many ways of doing referencing, some of which are subject specific.  The ASKHub in NOW has guidance on how to use the following referencing styles:

RefWorks

RefWorks is the reference management software available for NTU students and researchers. It will help you to gather, manage, store and share bibliographic information, as well as generate reference lists.

RefWorks is web based, so you can use it both on and off campus. You need your University username and password to log in. Select the 'Use login from my institution button' to access RefWorks from the login screen.

The RefWorks User Guide contains introductory information for getting started with RefWorks, as well as step-by-step examples for using it with different databases. The software also provides a number of tutorials and help tools, including YouTube videos.

Referencing support

Your library provides a range of support options to help you to understand more about referencing, both as part of your course, and  whenever you need it.

Further help and guidance is available in the ASKHub in NOW about academic writing and referencing.  Referencing queries should be directed to the library, who can provide  advice.  We also run  Library Lunchtime Learning workshops on referencing and using RefWorks.

Have more questions?

Contact the Library by emailing libinfodirect@ntu.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)115 848 2175.