Referencing Guides

Guides to referencing print, non-print and online sources

There are different styles of referencing. Harvard (AGPS), APA, Oxford, MLA and AGLC styles are just a few.  Before you begin researching and writing, check with the appropriate academic staff member as to which style is required.

University policy is that all faculties must use either Harvard (AGPS) or APA styles, as defined by the Library's referencing guides, unless academic staff teach and administer another style of their own choice. 

• Harvard Style (AGPS) - Basics
• Harvard Style (AGPS) - Web sources
• APA Style

If you are not using Harvard (AGPS) or APA, please contact the appropriate academic staff member to clarify any referencing issues you may have.

• Oxford Style
• MLA Style 
• Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC)   

AGLC enquiries can also be directed to the Law Librarian.

What do I need to reference?

A reference is required when you:

1. Quote another person word for word (direct quotation).  It doesn't matter whether it is a phrase, sentence or paragraph, you will need to provide a reference from which it was taken.
2. Paraphrase or summarise.  Ideas or data obtained from another writer must be referenced even if you have changed the wording and/or content.
3. Use statistics.   (e.g. population).
4. Use tables, figures, diagrams and appendices.  The source of these must be acknowledged unless they are entirely from your own research work.
5. Use controversial facts, opinions, or a date which might be challenged.  However, information of a general nature such as facts which are common knowledge, e.g. the years of World War II, do not need to be referenced.

In other words, you will need to reference any ideas or data you have used which are not your own. Please note that it is just as important to cite electronic sources as it is to reference print materials since they are both covered by copyright law.

Plagiarism

Academic misconduct is unacceptable and includes plagiarism, collusion and cheating.

Need additional help applying these guides?

Please note: The Library is not responsible for checking lists of references.  We can, however, refer you to our referencing guides and the published manuals listed to help you ensure the accuracy of your referencing.

For Harvard (AGPS) and APA style guide enquiries, Ask a Librarian.

For AGLC style guide enquiries, contact the Faculty Librarian (Law).

For any other styles, please contact the appropriate academic staff member.

The Library has handbooks for various referencing styles that you may wish to consult.  These include:

• Style manual for authors,editors and printers (6th ed.).  This includes the Harvard Style (AGPS) that is used at USQ.  The call number is 808.02 Sty and there are copies at Toowoomba, Fraser Coast and Springfield.
• Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.) includes the APA style used at USQ.  The call number is 808.06615 Pub and there are copies at Toowoomba, Fraser Coast and Springfield.  The Library also holds copies of the APA style guide to electronic references at 808.06615 Apa, also held at Toowoomba, Fraser Coast and Springfield.
• MLA handbook for writers of research papers (5th edn.) is only held in Toowoomba at 808.027 Gib.  The 6th edition however, is held at Toowoomba, Fraser Coast and Springfield.
• Electronic styles: a handbook for citing electronic information (2nd ed.) is a standard work for citing electronic sources but provides examples for APA and MLA styles only.  The call number is 808.027 Li held at Toowoomba only.

Tips on referencing and research skills can also be found on the University's plagiarism site.