Referencing / Citation Styles: Home

This guide will provide you with information on citing/referencing and information on which citation style to use for your essay or assignment.

Citing authoritative and appropriate sources not only gives more weight to your argument, it also provides evidence that you have read widely and can represent a wide range of views. Watch this short video, What information needs to be cited?

It is important to follow a formal system of citing or referencing, not only to avoid plagiarism but to ensure that your reader can easily locate the original sources.

There are several acceptable citation styles that may be used at the University of Otago; this guide details the most commonly used styles. If your Department has specified a style that is not shown here, please ask your Subject Librarian or contact your Department.