1. How to Locate and Cite Online Resources
Online Research
How to Locate and Cite Online Resources
Provided by the Society of Cape Breton County

2. Start With the Basics: What information do I need?
Narrow down topic before looking for sources. Do a background search first for general information on the subject you’re researching.
What kind of sources am I looking for?
If you are writing a scholarly paper, you must use scholarly sources (unless your assignment says otherwise).

3. What is a Scholarly Source?
Books that feature a bibliography
Articles found in academic journals
Theses and dissertations
Government websites

4. What is NOT a Scholarly Source?
Articles from magazines (e.g. Time, MacLeans, etc.)
Encyclopedias
Wikipedia
Most other websites

5. How Can I Find Scholarly Sources? Your School Library
Your library probably offers online journals and e-books via academic search engines. If you have questions or need help finding information about your topic, never be afraid to ask a librarian. They know how to help you!

6. How Can I Find Scholarly Sources? Google Scholar
Google Scholar ( offers a free academic search that will turn up both academic journal articles and e-books.

7. How Can I Find Scholarly Sources? Government Websites
Government websites often contain statistics, reports and other information that can be very helpful when writing research papers.

8. How Do I Cite the Sources that I've Used?
Using a recognized citation style, compile a bibliography that informs the reader which materials you’ve used. There are different forms of citations used for different academic subjects. Some examples are:
APA (American Psychological Association)
MLA (Modern Language Assocation)
Chicago

9. Why Do I Have to Cite my Sources?
When you use another person’s book, article, theses or dissertation in order to write your research paper, you are using their intellectual property. By citing sources, you acknowledge that the ideas and information included in your work are based on those of someone else, and are thanking them for that. It also allows your reader to locate the materials that you used.

10. What Will Happen if I Don't Use Citations?
When you don’t cite a paper, you state that all ideas and information located in the paper belong to you, disregarding the work that others have done which allowed you to complete your research. This is known as plagiarism and it is a serious offense in universities and other schools which can lead to suspensions, a mark of zero for the work that you completed, or even expulsion.

11. Any Questions?
If you have any further questions about online research:
Visit your school library and ask a librarian for help.
Seek advice from a teacher or professor.
Visit your local Site and ask the staff!