Referencing (also known as citation) is the method you use to acknowledge that you have used various books or journal articles in the researching and writing up your assignments or projects. It includes the bibliography that you compile at the end of your essay or assignment, and it enables you to refer to, or quote from, other people's work without being guilty of plagiarism. It also enables you or the person reading your work, to go back and find the articles you consulted.
Referencing shows evidence of background reading and to support the content and conclusions in your writing. All sources used should be acknowledged in the text of your document, called in-text citations.
The Reference list is an alphabetically arranged list of the items you have cited in your essay. A bibliography includes items used to prepare your assignment, but not necessarily cited. All items should be listed alphabetically by author or authorship, regardless of format (print/electronic/audiovisual).
For more guidance, check out the Handbook on Citation and Related Matters.
With the use AI in Referencing AI tools in academic writing it is also essential to understand UCT's AI policy. The AI libguide provides helpful tips on how to reference AI Tools check this link for guidance: AI LibGuide - LibGuides.