Computer Science Subject Guide: Organize, write & cite

 Manage your sources

Everyone will approach the collection and organization of research sources in different ways to suit their own preferences. However, the following advice generally applies:

• For electronic sources, download copies and back them up to the cloud
• For every source, take good notes and record page number references for text that you want to quote/paraphrase
• Ensure that you record sufficient details about each source so you can cite it properly
• Use an online research manager to help you (see below)

 Write your assignment

Common writing assignment in computer science courses include:

• Literature reviews
• Short analytical essays
• Lab reports

Information types that you should draw upon when researching for such assignments include:

• Journal articles
• Literature Reviews
• Technical reports
• Conference papers

The Library also has a number of books providing a more detailed overview of doing research and reporting in computer science and technology. Check them out:

 Cite your sources

It is vital to properly and consistently cite the information sources that you use in your assignments. You may be asked to follow the citation style of one of the two most important professional societies in computer science: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

If you are not sure which style to use, check with your professor.

Below is the link to the official guide for the ACM reference and citation style:

ACM Citation Style and Reference Formats 

These are the instructions that authors are advised to follow when submitting their manuscripts to ACM publications. 

 Click here for the Library's Citation Guide

Turnitin

Turnitin is an online software program that can compare submitted academic assignments against an extensive database of published and unpublished information, and provide a report on the degree of similarity between the assignment and the material in that database.  

To ensure that interested students are able to submit their assignments to Turnitin, the Library maintains a practice Turnitin Assignment on a designated course site on HKBU Moodle.