It is very important to cite information used in your papers that comes from another source. Not only does this keep you from plagiarizing (which is a very serious offense that could result in you failing the assignment or even the course), but it also tells readers where you found that information and it gives your writing and work more credibility.
In order to properly cite information, you need to use both in-text citations and a reference list at the end of your paper. In-text citations tell the reader in which item on your reference list this quote or paraphrase was found, and are placed adjacent to the quote/paraphrase. The reader can then use the corresponding citation on your reference list to find that original work for themselves and read, watch, or listen to what else the author had to say about your topic.
The pair of citations would look something like this (in APA for this example):
In your paper: Reseach by Baniya and Weech (2019) indicates that service-learning students...blah blah blah. The information I am sharing here came from the article by these authors in my reference list at the end of the paper.
In your references list: Baniya, S., & Weech, S. (2019). Data and experience design: Negotiating community-oriented digital research with service-learning. Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement, 6(1), 11–16. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284316979 I can use the information in this citation to get a copy of the article if I would like to read more of the author's analysis.
This brief tutorial from Credo Instruct walks you through each section of an annotated bibliography, defining it and describing how to write it.
Howe Writing Center's guide to annotated bibliographies.
The OWL's section on annotated bibliographies.
Cornell University LibGuide about annotated bibliographies. This gives a clear explanation of why copying and pasting an abstract of an article does not constitute an annotation.
MLA Style Center
In-Text Citations - LibGuides
Excelsior OWL MLA Citation Guide
Please watch this short video about Why Citations Matter
Here is tutorial about Academic Integrity.
Another tutorial about the Value of Information.
Here is a video about Plagiarism.
For more information about citations and how they impact academic integrity, visit the Miami University Libraries' Academic Integrity guide.
Q. How do I format my paper according to MLA style? What spacing and font should I use? What should my title page look like? A. General MLA Formatting Info
Q. How do I cite information in the body of my paper? What should a quote or paraphrase look like in my paper? A. In-Text Citation Basics
Q. What should my Works Cited list at the end of the paper look like? What should the header for this page look like? In what order should my sources be listed? A. Works Cited Basics
Q. How do I cite a book, article, website, etc. on my Works Cited page? A. Books | Articles | Websites and Other Electronic Resources
While you can do most of your word processing needs in Google Docs and other free word processing apps, the most efficient and powerful tool for while you are in school is often Microsoft Office.
As a Miami University student, you have access to a Microsoft 365 account for free while enrolled in classes. The following link will take you to Miami University's IT page which will walk you through how to download Microsoft 365 onto your device.
Capabilities, Benefits, and Key Features