Referencing is a necessary skill in further education. Some students find it stressful. However, the consequences of poor referencing can be serious including losing marks or being asked to resubmit.
The good news is: help is available.
Why do I have to reference?
It shows how much you’ve researched (& impresses your teachers).
Readers can go directly to original sources.
Quotes can be verified.
To avoid being accused of plagiarism.
What has to be referenced?
Quotes, paraphrasing, images, graphs, tables, ideas, theories, facts.
Where do I reference?
In two places:
- In-text (the body of the assignment) &
- On a separate page, titled References, at the end of the assignment
HOW do I find referencing information?
First, check the referencing style for your course, but for most Holmesglen courses it is now APA 7th. (Information is still available on the Library website for those continuing with APA 6th).
Then go to the Holmesglen Library website referencing guide. You can find it here:
https://holmesglen.libguides.com/apa7
For those students using the Harvard system click on the link below:
https://holmesglen.libguides.com/harvardreferencing
Scroll down the menu at the side to find info on referencing all types of sources.
Some quick referencing tips:
# 1 Keep track of sources while researching. If you don’t, precious time will be wasted later re-tracing your steps.
# 2 If there is no human author for your source, then use the organization’s name.
# 3 Use the author’s surname (not first name initial) in in-text citations
Still not sure?
Learning Skills Teachers can provide feedback on referencing. Check with us before you submit your assignment.
Book a time: https://holmesglen.edu.au/Students/Learning-Skills-Centre/
If you have any referencing questions you can also ask them in the community.