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Civil and Environmental Engineering: Citing Resources

Why citing your sources is important

Using high quality evidence in your engineering research, design, and practice is essential to acting with integrity.  Clearly showing the evidence you've utilized ensures your credibility, the safety of those who depend on your work, and your reputation.  Additionally, by properly citing your sources of information, you situate your work in larger engineering conversations to demonstrate how your work adds value, and fits within the collective body of knowledge.

Citation style guides

Depending on your area of research, you will be required to cite your evidence in a variety of different standardized citation formats.  These are known as "citation styles".  Citation style guides provide guidance and examples of how to correctly format your citations to align with the unique specifications of each citation style. 

  • To help you understand citation style requirements, the University of Waterloo's Library has gathered a list of citation style guides for you to consult.
  • Purdue University's Online Writing Lab is an additional resource you should consult.  In the left column, within the subheading "Research and Citation" there are several detailed citation style guides with in-depth examples.
  • University of Waterloo's Writing and Communication Centre has several online resources on their webpage, including several excellent citation style guides.
  • Utilizing reference management software is a great way to efficiently organize your research.  The University of Waterloo's Library has created a guide to help you get started with Zotero.

Citing your sources module

Proper citation of evidence is an integral part of being a STEM student.  The University of Waterloo's Library has created an online module, "Citing your Sources" to provide an overview of how to appropriately incorporate outside sources, including when and how to add citations to your work.