Bibliographic Citation
noun phrasePronunciation: /ˌbɪbliəˈɡræfɪk ˌsaɪˈteɪʃən/
A standardized reference that identifies and locates a source, including author, title, publication details, and access information formatted according to established style conventions. Citations enable readers to verify sources and locate materials independently.
Plain English
A formatted reference that tells readers where you found a piece of information and how to find it themselves.
Etymology & History
Usage
"Librarians teach students proper bibliographic citation practices to ensure academic integrity and support scholarly communication."
Style guide notes: When referring to the general concept, use lowercase; capitalize specific style names (APA Style, Chicago Manual).
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Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common citation styles in academic libraries?
MLA (humanities), APA (social sciences), Chicago/Turabian (history), IEEE (engineering), and CSE (sciences) styles.
Why are consistent citation formats important?
Consistency enables readers to quickly locate sources, prevents plagiarism, demonstrates scholarly integrity, and follows disciplinary conventions.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Foundational for research instruction and academic skills support in all library settings.
Required skill level: Junior