In academic texts, references are used to show from where information has been collected and to guide the reader to further reading. Various reference styles are used as models for writing references in a proper way. By using references correctly, you can avoid suspicions of plagiarism.
There are three main reasons for referencing:
Different academic disciplines have developed their own ways of writing references. Examples of reference styles are Harvard, Oxford, APA, IEEE and Vancouver. Your supervisor should be able to tell you which is the most common and desirable style within your discipline.
There are many guides to writing references according to the various styles available online. By searching the name of the style you intend to use, you can easily find one. In some cases, you are provided with a specific guide to use during your studies.
With a reference management software, you can:
LiU has an agreement that allows access to EndNote Desktop for LiU students and employees. Zotero is a free software with open source code.
As a LiU student or employee, you are welcome to sign up for introductions to Zotero and EndNote that the Library regularly offers online.
As a student attending a course or a programme at LiU, you can find more information about referencing and reference management software at Liunet Student, the intranet for LiU students. LiU employees can find more information about reference management software at Liunet Employee.
Log in to Liunet with your LiU-ID, links are provided under “Internal” at the bottom of this and other pages on liu.se.
If you during your studies at LiU require advice regarding referencing, you are welcome to contact the Library at biblioteket@liu.se.
Via Liunet, you can sign up for introductions to Zotero and to EndNote.