Skip to Main Content
Research Guides Databases A-Z Library Catalog Ask a Librarian Library Home Page SUNY New Paltz

Database Searching

Learn how to select a library database for your research topic and how to use the databases to find sources on your topic.

Links for Help with Citations

Zotero

Zotero is an open source citation management tool that can help you save, organize and cite references. 

 

Modern Language Association (MLA)

American Psychological Association (APA)

Chicago/Turabian

Associated Press

Avoiding Plagiarism

 

You may have heard the classic definition - that plagiarism is using someone else's work without citing the source. Plagiarism can take other forms, however, including:

  • Re-arranging an author's words (paraphrasing) without citing Photo of a stack of books
  • Using someone else's ideas without citing the source
  • Using a photograph or image and not including a citation
  • Submitting the same paper for two different assignments

Sometimes, plagiarism is accidental. A few strategies can help anyone avoid accidental plagiarism:

  • Allow plenty of time to research and write papers and presentations
  • Take complete notes, and include author's names and page numbers for easy reference later
  • Use the citation tools available in databases (but always check for accuracy)
  • Consult the style guides for the format, such as the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, the MLA Handbook, etc.

Adapted from the University of Rhode Island's guide, "Citing Correctly and Avoiding Plagiarism," Accessed at: http://uri.libguides.com/cite