Why We Cite

Why is it so important to cite your sources? To avoid plagiarism, yes, but also…

• To challenge your thinking
• To give credit where it’s due
• To take part in scholarly conversation and put your ideas in context
• To provide a roadmap for your thinking – for your professors and for your colleagues

And even to help your future self. You may want to refer back to a previous project to figure out how you found certain information. Complete references come in handy!