Referencing is an integral part of academic writing. The purpose is to show where the information you use comes from.

Some simple tips for referencing accurately are:

• Acknowledge direct quotations, facts, and figures, as well as the ideas and theories that you use.
• Check with your lecturer for the preferred referencing style used by your school.
• Whichever referencing or citation style you prefer, be consistent throughout your assignment.

Commonly used referencing styles include Harvard and APA. 

The ANU does not adhere to a single standard referencing style, so you should check with your lecturers to ensure that you submit your work using the correct style. For help with referencing and academic writing, email the Academic Skills team.

The University has policies and procedures on academic integrity and how to avoid plagiarism - for which there can be serious consequences.