Most people at sometime in their lives will have the need to know how to reference webpages as a source of information, whether it relates to their own studies, that of a student in their family, or for a workplace report or document.
Referencing is a standardised method of acknowledging the sources of information and ideas you have used in an essay, assignment or report. At the end of your document, most organisations require you to provide a list of materials you have used, including webpages, in writing the document. This list is most often referred to as a bibliography. Sometimes this job is left until the last moment by many people and this can add great stress to the need to cite references correctly!
Different fields of study use different referencing styles and so it is important to find out which one your teacher, lecturer or business prefers. Once a style is chosen, the most important aspect of using it are consistency and accuracy. James Cook University Library has a useful list of the most well known referencing styles including explanations and links to other authoritative websites on the topic.(http://www.library.jcu.edu.au/LibraryGuides/refstyles.shtml)
The most important things to remember when referencing a webpage or online document are to include the author of the information (whether it’s a person, group or organisation), the date the information went onto the internet, the date you accessed the web page (since online information frequently changes), its title and the website address.
Providing a list of sources you have used to assist in the creation of your own work adds to your personal credibility as a scholar. It also shows respect to other researchers as you acknowledge their hard work. A great spin off is that it allows your reader to find further information on the topic. Lastly, a correct and truthful list of references combats plagiarism.
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Thuringowa Library Services - Information Desk
Email: infodesk@thuringowa.qld.gov.au
http://library.thuringowa.qld.gov.au
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Searchlight is a weekly column written by CityLibraries Townsville. It is published in the Townsville Bulletin newspaper and on this 'blog every Monday. Searchlight aims to make your internet searching more effective, efficient and fun by reviewing search tools, providing searching hints and tips, and helping with tricky search topics.
