Citing your sources (also called referencing) is an essential part of your academic work and is explained fully on our page Reference and avoid plagiarism.
Check with your tutors which referencing style you are expected to use for your assignments. Many courses use the Harvard system, including Philosophy, Politics and Modern Languages.
Harvard referencing - check Cite Them Right
Use Cite Them Right to check how to reference a wide range of sources (books, journal articles, web sites) in exactly the same Harvard style used at Brookes.
The Library also has a shorter printed guide to Brookes Harvard based on Cite Them Right that you can download (Word and PDF versions available).
View a sample text and reference list
Cite Them Right has a Sample text and reference list using the Harvard style. This will help you understand what referencing should look like in your written work.
What other referencing styles might I need to use?
Some courses require different referencing systems. Check the relevant Course resource help page for further guidance:
- English Literature uses MHRA
- History and History of Art use Chicago
What tools can help me with referencing?
- It's a good idea to keep track of your sources as you find them, so that it's easier to reference them later. LibrarySearch and many databases offer tools to help you save references as you search. Check this guide How to save and cite sources in LibrarySearch (Google slides)
- Endnote is a tool for storing and organising your references, and it will also work with Word or Pages to create a fully formatted bibliography from your reference library. Brookes Library offers guides, support and training with EndNote.
- NB Other referencing tools and apps are widely available but be aware that not all Harvard styles are the same as ours. Make sure you check your references against Cite Them Right and amend them if needed.
Where can I get help with referencing?
Guides
On this page you'll find links to the key guides to Harvard referencing:
- Cite Them Right
- Library guide to Harvard
- Quick Harvard referencing videos
Remember to check the relevant Course resource help page for guidance if you need to use a different referencing style:
- English Literature uses MHRA
- History and History of Art use Chicago
When you have questions
- Contact your Librarian for help with referencing.
- The Centre for Academic Development can also provide advice.
How do I use sources in my written work?
- Bitesize video 5: What is paraphrasing and how do I use it?
- Centre for Academic Development Writing with sources and Paraphrasing
- Cite Them Right Online Setting out quotations and Paraphrasing
- How to use your reading in your essays by Jeanne Godfrey (print & eBook) has lots of advice on putting readings into your own words.
- Moodle: Academic Integrity - self-directed course
- Study skills: Writing essays, reports and other assignments: list of other useful online resources & books.
