How to use this guide
This guide provides the rules for 7th Edition APA Reference style and its application across a range of source material, including print, online, audio/visual, images and graphs, social media and personal communication. Each source has its own page within the guide, with in-text citation and reference listing examples.
Where to start?
1. Read 'What is referencing and why is it important?' below and watch the short video about copyright and plagiarism on this page.
2. Click on the Direct Quotes, Paraphrasing and In-Text Citation tab and read about the difference between direct and indirect quotations, and how to apply an in-text citation.
3. Click on the Page Numbers tab and read about how to format single and multiple pages in in-text citations and reference lists.
4. Click on the Reference List tab and read how to format a Reference List.
5. From here, choose the specific source you would like to reference from the tab options across the top of this page, and follow the examples provided.
What is referencing and why is it important?
When finding information for school assessment and research tasks, is it important to acknowledge the sources you retrieve information from. This includes all information sources, such as books, websites, images, streaming audio and videos platforms. Pretending the ideas of others are your own is plagiarism and is to be avoided in all circumstances.
Different organisations use different reference styles to acknowledge sources. At St Pat's, we use APA reference style (except for History subjects - please see your History teacher for instructions regarding referencing). The 7th edition of APA reference rules is the most current edition, and the edition we currently use at St Pat's.
In-text citations and a reference list needs to be included in your assignment whenever you are using information sources. Use this guide to correctly cite sources. If you come across a source that is not listed in this guide, please contact Library staff.
Look for this image!
Look for this image throughout the guide for helpful tips and tricks when writing in-text citations and reference lists.
A Quick Guide outlining the basics of
APA Referencing is available to print here.
Need help?
If you are ever unsure or would like to have your references checked, please send the Library a Helpdesk ticket, and a member of the Library team will be in touch.
Terminology
A reference refers to a resource from which an idea or direct quotation has been taken. It is also known as a 'citation'.
An in-text reference refers to citing a reference within the actual assignment. The author and date is placed (in brackets) within or at the end of the sentence it is referring to.
A reference list is an alphabetical listing of all resources that have been referenced in the text of the assignment.
A bibliography is an alphabetical listing of all resources that have been used when researching an assignment, regardless of whether they have been referenced in the assignment or not.
Quick Tips when Referencing