Skip to Main Content

Education and Teaching

What is Referencing?

Referencing is a way of showing where the ideas, theories, quotes, facts and other evidence and information you use in your assignments can be found. Any books, journal articles, websites, etc that you use to research your assignment must be referenced.

There will be two parts to every reference you use:

  • The in-text citation, a brief reference in the body of the text
  • The reference list at the end of your text, which gives the full details of the works so that your readers can follow up for themselves

 

Why is it so Important to Reference?

  • It allows you to avoid plagiarism by acknowledging that you have used ideas and written material belonging to another author.
  • It demonstrates the scope and depth of your research.
  • It enables anyone reading your work to look up your references and read them for themselves.

Referencing Styles

There are many different referencing styles, for example, Harvard, Chicago or APA.

Harvard is the style most commonly used in ATU.

Important Note: Some departments may recommend using a different referencing style or have guides of their own. In this case, use your department's guide. If in doubt, check with your lecturer / department.

The important thing to remember when referencing is to be consistent with whatever style you are using.

ATU Library Referencing Guides

Referencing Software

 

Cite Them Right

Cite Them Right is a user-friendly online tool to help you understand the basics of referencing. 

Clear guidance and examples help you to reference books, journal articles, websites and many other formats.

Tutorials and videos help you to gain a deeper understanding of academic referencing and avoiding plagiarism. 

Login to Cite Them Right

 

 
 
 
 

Microsoft Word 

MS Word has a simple built-in referencing tool to help you create references.

Find out how in the Library Guide to Referencing with Microsoft Word

 

 

 

EndNote

EndNote is a reference management software package that allows users to create, store and manage references.

Find out how in the  Library Guide to EndNote 



Training and Workshops

The Library provides training on referencingEndnote and Referencing with Microsoft Word throughout the year. Please check our event calendar for the training schedule.


Library@atu.ie