Skip to Main Content

Citations: Why We Cite

Information on why and how to cite your sources using APA & MLA. Includes links to useful tools and tutorials, as well as other citation styles.

Why We Cite

When you use information (data, images, ideas, quotations, facts, etc.) in your projects, you need to reference the original source.

You give details about where you found the information to:

  • give credit where it is due.
  • help your audience find your sources, which could possibly help their research. 
  • show there is support to back up the ideas you present. 
  • establish your authority and credibility (making you look smart and trustworthy by showing your audience that you did your research, and that you got your information from credible sources).
  • avoid plagiarism.
Windward Community College Library • 45-720 Keaʻahala Rd. • Kāneʻohe, HI 96744
Content: Creative Commons License Windward Community College Library
Alma Staff Login