The Rowman & Littlefield Guide to Writing with Sources

Reviews / Votes

Despite its compact size, this volume by Davis (Denison Univ.) offers much information. The first chapter provides an in-depth look at evaluating electronic sources, plagiarism, elements of a citation, and popular style manuals. Chapter 2 discusses various ways one acquires knowledge--from observations, experiences, and class discussions/presentations--and when one needs to credit the source. Other chapters provide guidance in paraphrasing and in citing books, articles, and electronic resources. Also featured is a chapter on how to present quotations and what punctuation to use. The book's appendix lists useful websites that will help with both writing skills and citation formats. The real value of this book is evident in its discussion of the selection of materials to use in writing papers, the evaluation of sources selected for the paper (particularly web sources), and the basic process of writing a paper. This is a good, basic guide for beginning writers. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and two-year technical program students; general audience. * Choice Reviews * Academic writing in the Misinformation Age thus presents challenges not previously recognized, and demands extra diligence on the part of authors to find, assess, use and correctly cite sources relevant to their study. The Rowman & Littlefield Guide to Writing with Sources offers a thorough and up-to-date discussion of the proper use of sources. ... This compact book is more than just a style guide on the mechanics of citation. In the selection and evaluation of materials to be used in writing, it includes an appendix of online resources relevant to different disciplines. Style manuals for different disciplines are discussed within the text and also in an additional chapter at the conclusion of the book, examining ways in which manuals reflect the values and methods of enquiry related to the discipline to which a specific manual applies. This is an excellent basic guide for beginning undergraduate students, but it is also a refresher for the more experienced writer, including tips which may have been overlooked or forgotten. . . The comprehensive contents listing makes it easy to locate the various sections. This is an essential addition to any academic library aiming to develop competence in its academic writers. * The Australian Library Journal * This is a useful reference and I especially appreciate the user-friendly organization that will allow writers to easily locate information on quoting and paraphrasing properly. There is much more here than just a style guide. In addition to addressing the mechanics of citation, this book answers questions that beginning writers should be asking, like "when is quoting better than paraphrasing?" and "how trustworthy is this source?" -- Teresa Fishman, Clemson University