When to Cite Sources

Insufficient source citation is a frequent reason why a chapter submitted for consideration for a Regional History Series publication is rejected or returned to a writer for revision. Citing sources is necessary to acknowledge where quotes, others’ ideas, and facts originated, as well as to provide readers a trail to follow should they wish to further research the topic, to evaluate the origin and context of a source, or to confirm the accuracy. Statements of common knowledge, the writer’s own thesis statement, interpretation, and analysis, normally do not require citations.

Sentences and paragraphs summarizing others’ ideas in one’s own words require citations of the original sources of the information.

Solely citing one’s own previously published work as a source, “self-citation,” is strongly discouraged.

Prior to submitting a chapter for consideration, please review each paragraph to ensure that quotes, others’ ideas, and facts are all cited correctly. Previous entries in this blog provide specifics on the required citation style. Please do not use “Ibid.” to indicate a source is the same as the one just cited, but rather use a complete source citation. This ensures that the correct citation will be intact should rearranging of paragraphs occur during editing. “Ibid.” will be used during the final editing process.

These two websites provide additional details about when to cite sources:

• Columbia College http://www.college.columbia.edu/academics/whentocite
• Princeton University http://www.princeton.edu/pr/pub/integrity/pages/cite/