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Reference Sources

A guide suggesting various types of reference sources and a description of the pros and cons of each source.

Why Reference?

What is the meaning of a reference source? 

A reference source is usually a dictionary, handbook, almanac, encyclopedia, manual, bibliography, biographical dictionaries, atlases and directories which helps researchers, students and the public in general get a summary on a topic of interest along with more specific information and where to find secondary sources on the topic. A reference source provides background information, quick facts, statistics and contact information. Reference sources are typically information dense so they are usually designed for quick consultation, not to be read in depth.  They are always factual and unbiased. They are  a great starting point for research for a paper. There are many general reference resources but there are also more topic specific reference databases and sources in the College of Staten Island collection. 

Meanings of  different reference sources

  • Encyclopedia: A book or set of volumes giving information on many subjects or many aspects on one subject. Typically used to get an overview of a topic, find background information, identify concepts, people,, keywords and find references for further reading. E.g. The New Encyclopedia Britannica  
  • Bibliographies: List of materials (books, journals, articles, eBooks, essays, etc) on a topic. They are used to identify and narrow down sources for research. E.g. Bibliography of the History of Art (Database)
  • Dictionaries: A source containing brief explanations of terms and topics usually related to a specific topic but also can be general. A list of words in a specific language with their definitions, pronunciation, etymology and usage. E.g. A Dictionary of Plant Sciences 
  • Atlases: A collection of maps in book format which often includes images, graphs, charts, tables and informative. An atlas is not just limited to geography but reaches across multiple areas and subjects such as history, religion, ocean, stars, art, sports and so much more. E.g. Grant's Atlas of Economy. 
  • Handbook: A guide or list of instructions or facts in a concise manner on one particular topic and is capable of being carried around as a ready reference. E.g. MLA Handbook
  • Almanac: A regularly published listing of facts, statistics and dates based on one or multiple subjects. Usually published yearly. E.g. The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2019. 
  • Directory: A book listing individuals, organizations, companies and people alphabetically or thematically with the specific details such as names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses along with a brief description. E.g. Official Congressional Directory. 
  • Manual: A manual provides in depth information, often technical or mechanical, about a product, system or subject. E.g. Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Planning: Assessment Guides, Diagnoses, Psychopharmacology. 

 

Why reference? 

Referencing is extremely important in academic and professional research papers, articles, books, essays, theses, journals and any other source of information. The list of all references used in a text will usually be found in the back of the source in the form of a bibliography. Bibliographies make it easier to find more sources of information for a particular research paper. The sources will need to be double checked before being used in the research paper. 

There are multiple reasons why referencing is important: 

  1. Prevents plagiarism by making it obvious which ideas are the writer's and which ideas are someone else's 
  2. Acknowledges the work of others
  3. Gives the reader the chance to verify the information included in the piece and to use it from themselves. 
  4. Backs up the author's claims, opinions and arguments in their work
  5. Allows the author to show off their in depth understanding of the topic 
  6. Shows that the author has read widely

Plagiarism and How to Avoid It Research Guide 

CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity

Different citation styles

  • Modern Language Association (MLA)
  • Chicago 
  • Harvard
  • APA (American Psychological Association)

You should reference:

  • direct quotes from other people's work that you are using
  • paraphrasing another person's work
  • other people's ideas
  • images not created by you

You don't need to reference:

  • common knowledge
  • own thoughts and opinions

Citing Sources Research Guide

Cite Your References - New York City Data and Statistics