The Harvard system of referencing
De Montfort University, September 2009 (PC1989). Right of revision; this
leaflet is issued without prejudice to the right of the University authorities
to make such modifications to the matter dealt with as the University
authorities consider necessary without prior notice.
This is a guide to the Harvard system but you should always check your course
handbook and/or module outline for any further guidance, as your lecturers may
prefer a different style of referencing. It is always advisable to check which
system you are expected to use and to what extent it may vary from this guide.
1. Introduction
When writing a piece of work you should provide references to the sources used.
A reference is the detailed bibliographic description of the item from which
you gained your information. In simple terms, this means the details of the
items that you have used, e.g. author, title, date of publication. References
are briefly cited within the text, and then given in full at the end of your
work in a reference list. Any other items read for background information but
not referred to in the text should be given in full at the end of your work in
a bibliography.
References are used to:
•
Enable the reader to locate the sources you have used;
•
Help support your arguments and provide your work with credibility;
•
Show the scope and breadth of your research;
•
Acknowledge the source of an argument or idea. Failure to do so could result in
a charge of plagiarism.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined by De Montfort University Student Regulations as “The
significant use by a student of other people’s work and the submission of it as
though it were his or her own”. For more information on how to avoid plagiarism
please see www.library.dmu.ac.uk/Images/Howto/ HowtoAvoidPlagiarism.pdf
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