The Learning Portal

How to Cite Right and Avoid Plagiarism

Have you ever invested your own time studying for an upcoming test only to notice the person next to you looking at your answers? Or maybe you put a lot of effort into a group project only to have another person take credit for your work. These situations can be pretty unpleasant and can make you feel as though your energy and effort is being devalued. This is just one of the reasons why it’s so important to cite the sources you’ve used in your assignments and projects – everyone deserves credit where credit is due!

If you’re unsure how to properly create citations, don’t sweat it – we’re here to provide you with helpful services and resources to make the process as painless as possible.

Workshops

Free skill-building Workshops are available on a weekly basis:

  • Avoiding Plagiarism: Gain a better understanding of what is expected of you academically in relation to citing your sources and avoiding plagiarism.
  • Cite Right! APA Bootcamp: Find out how to use in-text citations, how to paraphrase and format a reference list, get hands on experience creating references for different types of sources, and more.
  • Intro to the Library workshops: Discover our 24/7 digital resources and find out how to use and navigate online library tools.
  • Finding Academic Articles: Learn how to find academic articles using library resources. Learn how to discover the characteristics of an academic article and how to differentiate it from a popular source.

Workshops are offered both online using Zoom and on campus (Ottawa) in room C263. Click here to view the full Workshops Schedule.

Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism Guide

In the Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism Guide, you’ll learn how to:

  • Cite Your Sources: This guide includes style manuals and information to help you cite in different styles, as well as a series of interactive modules to help you learn the basics of using APA style.
  • Avoid Plagiarism: Not sure if you’re doing everything you need to do to avoid plagiarism? Not even exactly sure what plagiarism is? This guide will explain everything you need to know and what you are responsible for as a student at Algonquin College.
  • AI: Generative Artificial Intelligence: Find general information on Generative AI, as well as guidance on using and citing AI in an academic setting. Always consult your instructor before using generative AI tools in your coursework to ensure that you are not committing an act of academic misconduct.

The Learning Portal

We also recommend exploring the Learning Portal’s How to Cite Module. Here you will learn about:

  • Why you should cite: to prevent plagiarism and give credit to other’s work, as well as providing evidence for the topics presented in your research.
  • Citation styles: there are many different styles of citing and each comes with its own set of rules and formatting of content. Your teacher will often tell you which style they want you to use (ex: APA, MLA, etc.)
  • How to build citations: building proper citations is a crucial step in allowing readers to trace back your information and is also a form of protection from accusations of plagiarism. Learn how to build in-text citations and references/work cited
  • Citation tools: Writing a citation from scratch can seem daunting but once you become familiar with citation generating tools, it will help simplify the process.

Have questions or need assistance?

AC Library Live Chat

Additional Resources

Never forget to cite your sources and always remember to give credit where credit is due!

Six Steps for Successful Research

Does hearing the phrase “research paper” suddenly send you into stress mode? You’re not alone! Many learners feel overwhelmed when assigned such in-depth and detailed assignments. If this is your first time writing a research paper and you’re not sure where to start, we can help make the process less intimidating. If you do have previous experience doing research, it never hurts to acquire new strategies that can help take your skills to the next level.

We believe the easiest way to tackle a large assignment is to break it down into smaller steps. Instead of attacking your research paper head on, we’ve created a plan to help guide you through each stage of the writing process:

Define Your Topic

Picking a good topic is key and can make or break the research process. So, what makes a good topic? We suggest choosing a subject that interests you and will hold your attention. Explore what information is available on that topic to ensure that you can find what you need. If a topic is too specific, you may need to expand your search; if the topic is too vague, you may need to narrow it down. Turn your topic into a question and see if you can argue or prove it. The following resources can help you with this step:

Plan your Search

Once you have spent some time gathering background information on your topic, you should have a decent grasp of some search terms that would be relevant to your subject.

  • Check out the library’s Subject Guides to find resources that would make a good starting point for your research.
  • Use a thesaurus to find synonyms that could help expand your search results, and make sure to record your sources as you go.
  • For further help planning your search terms visit Step 2 of the Research Guide.
  • Register for an upcoming Starting a Paper – Improving Your Search Strategies Workshop to learn how to produce appropriate search terms and find resources using the web and library resources.

Search for Resources

Once you have committed to your topic and know which search terms to use, you can start finding credible and relevant resources. This step will be more time consuming than the first two – just remember to take it all in stride and try not to get overwhelmed. Identify what resources are required for your assignment (type of publication, date range, how many sources you need etc.) and then search across all resources with the help of the library’s Page 1+ search tool. You can also search directly within the A-Z Database list.

For help using Page 1+, check out our related FAQ’s or book a one-on-one research appointment with Library staff. The following resources can also help:

  • Explore Step 3 of our Research Guide to find tutorials, tips for search strategies and in-depth information on evaluating web resources.
  • The Learning Portal’s Fake News Hub will help you to recognize common indicators of fake news, understand the consequences of careless sharing, and learn to become a fact-checker.
  • Check out the Learning Portal’s How to Research module to learn more about the different types of resources and how to search through a library or on the web.
  • Register for an upcoming Evaluating Resources Workshop to find out how to evaluate the quality of resources using the ‘C.R.A.A.P’ test—a guideline for critically analyzing sources—so you can avoid fake news and ensure quality research.

Create an Outline

Once you have found relevant resources, you can use these sources to begin building your argument. To start creating an outline, you want to read all the sources you have collected and take notes as you go; make sure to keep track of your sources in an organized way.

When you are ready to draft your thesis statement, remember that it needs to reflect the main argument of your paper and should only be 1-2 sentences long. It is best to outline the structure of your paper before you start writing it; this will help you to determine your main points and organize your research.

  • Step 4 of our Research Guide will help you develop your thesis statement and create an effective outline of your paper.
  • The Coaching Lab offers free online and on-campus (Ottawa) Coaching in the subject of writing. Coaches can help you with grammar, brainstorming and outlining, preliminary research, thesis development, formatting a paper, and more.

Write your Paper

This is the last step in the research paper writing process! At this point you should have a thesis statement, an outline, and a collection of sources and notes; everything you need to put together your research paper.

  • Step 5 of our Research Guide will point you towards resources that can help structure your paragraphs, incorporate your sources, and guide you through the editing process.
  • Register for any of the upcoming Research & Writing workshops to find out how to start a paper, how to find academic articles and other resources, and more.

Cite your Sources

You will be required to cite your sources. Citing is an extremely important part of the research paper writing process as it is the best way to avoid plagiarism. It provides credit to the original source, helps prove the legitimacy of your research, and gives professors the ability to find the information used in your work. Fortunately for you, there are several resources that can help you with citation:

  • Check out the Citing and Documenting Sources Guide to find citation style guides and tools.
  • Visit the Learning Portal’s How to Cite module for help understanding the different citation styles and for an explanation on how to cite various sources.
  • Register for an upcoming Cite Right! APA Bootcamp workshop to gain hands-on experience creating references for different types of sources.
  • Also check out the new AI: Generative Intelligence guide to learn more about citing AI tools in your work. Before you cite, confirm with your instructor that the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are allowed for your assignment.

With so many supportive services and resources available to you, research doesn’t have to be stressful! If you have questions, please visit your campus Library in person, or contact us online via our Library Live Chat.

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honors the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

Algonquin College campuses (Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth) are located on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands long before today. We take this time to show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water, and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. As a post-secondary institution, we embrace the responsibility to help ensure that the next generations of land stewards are respectful and grateful for the bounty of this land on which we all live, work, play, and study.

We commit to continue to explore and make meaningful contributions to the Calls to Action that result from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).

Algonquin College Campus Events

  • The Ottawa campus Library will be screening several short films about residential schools. This will take place on Friday, September 29th in the Kejeyàdizidjigwogamig, or the Knowledge Keepers Place (Room C350) from 1:00pm – 2:00pm. We also have a new film available in our streaming collection, Colonization Road, can be watched online at any time. We also encourage the college community to explore the books, videos, and other library resources featured on the Aboriginal Studies Guide
Colonization Road
  • Please join President Brulé in Nawapon on Sept. 29 at the Ottawa Campus to listen and learn Indigenous story-telling with community Knowledge Keeper and Indigenous Rights Advisor, Michael Desautels. All Algonquin College employees are welcome to attend. This event takes place at 9:15 AM to 9:50 AM in the Nawapon (C100), Ottawa Campus and livestream via Youtube.
    Please register to attend in-person here.
  • The AC Hub will be decorating orange paper T-shirts and hanging them on windows. Partake in a selection of Indigenous teas, coffee, and foods, and engage with a variety of learning materials and resources as we strive to create a more inclusive and informed future and campus community. You are encouraged to wear an orange T-shirt.
    This event takes place on the 2nd Floor of the Student Commons (E) Building on Friday, September 29 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Click here to learn more.

Indigenous Spaces

Algonquin College takes pride in its commitment to making Indigenous Knowledge and traditions an integral part of the institution’s culture. Over the years this has included establishing a variety of Indigenous Spaces on Campus. Learn more about these spaces:

DARE District’s three-storey mural

Empower with The Learning Portal’s Maamwi Hub

The creation of the Learning Portal’s Maamwi Hub was inspired by the TRC 94 Calls to Action to ensure that the 24 Colleges of Ontario lead in the education of both staff and students on Indigenous history, culture, knowledge, and current Indigenous worldviews.

The word “Maamwi” means “Together” in Anishinaabemowin, one of the widely spoken Indigenous languages in the territory currently referred to as Ontario.

Developed in partnership with the Indigenous Peoples Education Circle and College Libraries Ontario, and part of the ongoing reconciliation journey, the Maamwi Hub serves as a collaborative pathway to learn and reflect on the past and present impacts of colonial history on Indigenous Peoples. Discover an expansive collection of credible and relevant educational materials, explore ways of connecting and collaborating with Indigenous communities, and become an active participant on the path towards reconciliation.

The Maamwi Hub is made up of 5 major sections: About, Discover, Inquire, Inspire, and Empower. This week, we wanted to focus on the Empower section as it provides users with resources to connect and collaborate, share ideas, learn from one another, and support each other on the path to reconciliation.

  • Expand your understanding: Resources to support with engaging with Truth and Reconciliation, using respectful terminology, and expanding your understanding of stereotypes & racism.
  • Participate: Resources providing an overview of days of significance, events, and Indigenous organizations.
  • Explore & Connect: Provides an overview of Indigenous communities, places, and spaces within Ontario.
  • Learning Resources: A selection of resources which may help broaden awareness and understanding of Indigenous topics within Canada.Maamwi Hub

“Rather than having a single goal related to Truth and Reconciliation or Indigeneity, we must be committed to adapting our processes and practices to honor and reflect Indigenous ways of knowing.” Click here to learn more about what this means for Algonquin College.

The Library & SLC: Here to Support Your On-Campus & Online Learning!

A big welcome to all our new and returning students! Whether you’re taking classes on-campus or online (or both!) we want to assure you that the Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) have a variety of services available to support your learning.

*Please note, some of our online resources will require you to login with your College Network Account.

Explore our list of services and resources:

  • Library Space:
    The Library space at the Ottawa campus is open 24/7 and features a silent study room and a bookable meeting room (more meeting rooms are available on the 2nd floor of C Building). The Library help desks are available to assist you during business hours.
  • Library Live Chat:
    Our Library Live Chat service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. If you require more in-depth, one-on-one research help, please book an online or in-person Research Appointment with our staff.
  • Borrowing Books:
    If you would like to borrow a book from your campus Library, you can request the item online using Page 1+ or you can visit your local campus Library in person. You will need your AC card to borrow books. Click here for more information on how to request items.
  • Returning Books:
    Books may be returned to your campus Library drop box.
  • Digital Resource Collections:
    Access the library’s A-Z digital resource collections, this includes databases, eBooks, online videos, journals, and more. Digital resources are available 24/7 and require you to login to your College Network Account.
  • eBooks and Audiobooks Collections:
    Access electronic books on a wide variety of subjects. Find instructions on how to locate, use and download eBooks to different devices in our eBooks Guide.
  • Essential Skills Guides:
    Explore a variety of online guides that cover essential skills such as citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, research, math, English communication, technology, study skills, and much more.
  • FAQ’s:
    Find answers to commonly asked questions.
  • Coaching Lab:
    The Coaching Lab offers all Algonquin College students individual and small group coaching, both online and on-campus, at no charge. The areas of coaching offered are computer, math, writing, ESL, study skills, presentation skills, research, and anatomy/biology.
    *Pembroke students can also visit the Pembroke Campus Student Support Lab page to book an appointment with a Pembroke Campus Coach.
  • Peer Tutoring:
    If you’re a student who finds themselves experiencing difficulties in a course or are struggling to understand a concept being covered in class, Peer Tutoring can help. This service matches you with a trained student tutor for one-on-one tutoring. Tutors are students who graduated from the class before and did well in it. The fee for tutoring is $8.00 per hour. Peer Tutoring appointments are offered online and on-campus.
  • Skill-building Workshops:
    Students can participate in workshops to develop and strengthen fundamental skills such as research, writing, digital skills, and study skills to help you succeed in classes. These workshops are offered both online and on-campus, and are free to attend.
  • Online Video Collections:
    Access multiple online video collections on a wide variety of topics. Find instructions for finding, using, downloading and embedding online videos in our how-to guide.
  • Page 1+:
    Meet the Library’s new resource search tool. Research more effectively and discover access to industry-relevant resources.
  • Open Educational Resources (OER):
    Find free, openly licensed images, videos, icons, course material, textbooks and more within our Open Educational Resources Guide.
  • Subject Guides:
    These are curated guides for specific programs and areas of study. This is a great starting point for new students and for those doing preliminary research!
  • The Learning Portal:
    The Learning Portal provides shared access to resources from all Ontario Colleges. Explore modules related to learning online, study skills, digital skills, writing, research, math, career exploration, and more.

    • Maamwi Hub: The Maamwi Hub is inspired by the TRC 94 Calls to Action to ensure that the 24 Colleges of Ontario lead in the education of staff and students on the diverse Indigenous histories, cultures, and current Indigenous worldviews. We hope that the Maamwi Hub will be a part of your ongoing reconciliation journey.

For more information, please visit us in-person or connect with us online. Have a great first week!

Say Yes to Less Stress

School. Work. Social life. Juggling all of our responsibilities and commitments can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why we we want to help you get through the rest of the semester in the healthiest and most positive way possible! Keep reading to discover AC services, strategies, tips, and techniques to support your mental health and wellbeing.

Managing Stress

Sign up for an upcoming Stress Management Workshop. These sessions are led by an Algonquin College counsellor and will help you learn more about practical strategies to help with stress management so that you can better focus on your learning!

*This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.

  • Thursday, March 16, 2023 / 11:00am – 12:00pm
  • Wednesday, March 29, 2023 / 3:00pm – 4:00pm

For more self-guided stress management strategies, we recommend exploring the Essential Study Skills Guide. Here you will find modules covering:

  • How to cope with stress
  • Changing your perception of stress
  • Problem solving to manage stress

The Learning Portal

The Well-being hub was designed to help develop strategies to improve your overall state of happiness and health. Complete the Well-being Assessment to determine the areas of wellness where you are thriving and the ones that may need greater attention or explore these eight modules to find tips and techniques for improving wellness in different areas of your life:

Finding Support

You don’t have to do it alone! If you find yourself struggling or feeling overwhelmed by stress, we encourage you to reach out and connect with the services and resources available to help.

Start Your College Journey on a Positive Path!

Welcome to college! You could be feeling excited or nervous – or both! You may find yourself thinking “I’ve made it here but what are my next steps supposed to be?”

Enter the Where Do I Begin hub! This hub is just the first in a series of supportive modules found within The Learning Portal; an amazing resource that offers shared access to resources from all Ontario Colleges. The Where Do I Begin hub will familiarize you with some of the most important things you need to know when starting out in college.

Getting Started

Follow the 7 steps to success found within the Getting Started module of the Where Do I Begin hub and discover more services that will help you along the way!

  1. Get connected to online tools – register for a free workshop and learn to navigate key technology used regularly at Algonquin College, such as Zoom, Brightspace, email, Microsoft 365, and more!
  2. Learn how to get things done – Resist the temptation to put things off and get started on your assignments sooner! Explore these Time Management modules to gain simple techniques to plan your time more effectively and get into a routine that works for you.
  3. Start planning your schedule early – Many students don’t plan to fail; they just fail to plan. Learn how to make a semester plan and create a weekly schedule to ensure that you start and stay on the right track.
  4. Learn how to take study-worthy notes – Do you find it difficult to listen, take notes and absorb everything all at the same time? You’re not alone! Even if you are attending class online and can access a recorded version of a lecture, it’s still important to take efficient notes that you can use for studying. Visit the Taking Notes in Class module to learn how to balance tasks more efficiently and in a style that works for the way you learn.
  5. Learn to understand what you read – The Reading with Purpose module will help you develop key strategies and techniques to better absorb information you have read.
  6. Learn about available services – There are many college services available to help you! The Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) offer support in areas such as research, citing, study skills, math, presentations skills, Coaching, Peer Tutoring, and more. Visit the Services webpage to discover how we can support you throughout the school year.
  7. Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to reach out! Visit your campus Library or use our online Library Live Chat service to connect quickly with library staff who are available to help you in real time.

Whether you’re attending classes on-campus or online, start your college journey on the right path by following these steps and seek help when you need it – the key to success lies within you!

Best of luck with your first week of classes!