How to Cite a Quote in a Wikipedia Article

Wikipedia is a collaborative place where people come together to share information. If you use a quote from someone or somewhere, you have to cite the reference material appropriately to the person or place that you got it from.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A source to cite
• A Wikipedia account

1. You can cite sources using either embedded HTML links, Harvard referencing or footnotes.
2. Follow the system that is already in place if you are changing an existing article.
3. When you are citing sources within the body of the article, identify them clearly on first reference.
4. If you aren't sure what style to use, remember that it’s important to provide all the information that someone needs to find the source.

Tips & Warnings

• If necessary, you can put the citations for your quotes on the talk page of the article.
• If you aren't sure how to cite the quote, put a comment on the article page or ask for help.
• Failure to cite a quotation correctly constitutes plagiarism. Always cite anything that you quote.
• Do not change the formats of your citations without first checking for objections on the talk page. If there is no agreement in place, use whatever format the first major contributor used.