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Archives and Special Collections: A Guide: Citation

When to Use Citations

You must use citations when:

  • You use a direct quote from a resource.
  • You paraphrase a sentence or paragraph from a source.
  • You use an IDEA from a source that is not common knowledge.

WHEN IN DOUBT, CITE IT!

Phillips Academy English Class in Bulfinch Hall, 1930s

Phillips Academy English Class in Bulfinch Hall, 1930s

Citation Generator

The joy of finding footnotes and bibliographic entries that lead to the perfect original source can only happen when scholars carefully track their sources and generate citations in an appropriate style.  Neglecting to track your sources as you move through the research process will cost you HOURS of precious time. 

Try Zotero, a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources.

Citing Primary Source Material

If you are unsure how to cite a primary source, ask Archives staff or a librarian.

Citations, Phillips Academy Archives and Special Collections