Information Services at the University of Nottingham has a useful resource for learning how to cite and how to provide accurate references. There is also a useful set of links provided by Leeds University Library pointing to sites covering the Harvard, Numeric, Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA) referencing systems. The site also covers electronic sources.

Although the Harvard and Numeric styles are common, not all subjects are covered by these systems, so check your course handbook or faculty office for details of the referencing systems in use. Whatever you use, be consistent and stick to one method. The following useful habits that work (from Princeton University) are useful guidelines in developing an appropriate approach to written work:

1. Take complete and careful notes.
2. Keep all of your notes
3. Be scrupulous in drafting and checking your papers.
4. If you do all of your work -- from note-taking to drafts to final version -- on a computer, be especially careful.
5. Understand the difference between primary and secondary sources, but know that you must cite quotations, ideas, and information from both.
6. Do not rely on a single secondary source when doing a research paper. 7. Whenever possible, show all of your work in problems sets that require calculation.
7. Be sure you understand the instructor's expectations and guidelines for collaborating
8. Be extra careful to verify the accuracy or validity of information obtained from electronic sources..
9. If you are unsure whether or not to cite a source, ask your instructor. If that is not possible, follow the basic rule: when in doubt, cite.
10. Be your own hardest critic.
11. Be sure you understand your instructor's expectations for your work.
12. Be cautious about using notes belonging to other students
13. If you do not understand an assignment or need additional time to complete it, ask your instructor.
14. This last piece of advice is the hardest of all to follow: give yourself enough time to do your work well and carefully.

Test Yourself »