Doing ethical research means citing sources. It is critical to credit writers for their work and their contributions to your research. To not do so is unethical and leads to plagiarism - unintentionally or not. Here are some sources to help you cite properly and to avoid the problem of plagiarism.

Citation of Sources
This lists citation engines which help you create proper citations as well as providing information on different citation styles.
Tips on avoiding plagiarism
Turnitin
Turnitin is a service that faculty and students use to detect and avoid plagiarism in their writing.
NoodleBib
NoodleBib is an online resource that will help you format MLA and APA bibliographies, exporting them directly to your word processing program.
- NoodleBib demonstration
- NoodleBib handout

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Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Barron, N. (Ed.). (2004). Anatomy of wonder: A critical guide to science fiction, 5th ed. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2004. The bulk of this volume features five essays on the development of science fiction as a genre. Includes other essays on how science fiction is treated in film, television, and radio as well as print media. Appendices feature lists of award-winners and selected web sites. Ref. Z5917 .S36 A52 2004

Cowart, D., & Wymer, T.L. (Eds.). (1981). Twentieth century American science fiction writers: Volume 8, Parts I and II. Detroit, MI: Gale Research Co. These volumes in the Dictionary of Literary Biography series provide critical and biographical summaries for authors who wrote between 1900 and 1970. Each entry includes a summary of work, critical issues, and some suggested references. For other authors who published after 1970, see the Literature Resource Center Database. Ref. PS21 .D5 v. 8, pts. 1 & 2

Geller, E. (Ed.) (2002). McGraw-Hill encyclopedia of science and technology. New York: McGraw-Hill. Is it science or science fiction? This set, written for the non-specialist, can help you decide. You’ll find thousands of articles on significant scientific concepts, persons, and events. Illustrated and indexed. Ref. and Brookhaven Ref. Q121 .M3 2002 v. 1–20

Misiroglu, G. (Ed.). (2004). The superhero book. Detroit, MI: Visible Ink. This A-Z compendium of superheroes details their backgrounds, powers, vulnerabilities, and other characteristics. Ref. P96 .H46587 2004

Newcomb, H. (Ed.). (2004). Encyclopedia of television, 2nd ed. New York: Fitzroy Dearborn. This volume includes an entry on science fiction programs as well as individual shows, such as Star Trek. Entries are arranged alphabetically, but the index can be used to locate specific subjects. Ref. PN1992.18 E53 2004

Shippey, T.A. (Ed.) (1996). Magill’s guide to science fiction and fantasy literature. Pasadena, CA: Salem Press. This four-volume set features summaries and analyses of major works in science fiction and fantasy. Organized by title of work. A similar version of this book is available online. Ref. PN3433.8 .M3 1996 v. 1–4

Smith, C.C. (Ed.). (1986). Twentieth century science fiction writers, 2nd ed. Chicago: St. James Press, 1986. Look up your favorite writer in this alphabetical dictionary, which contains very brief biographical entries and lists of publications (current to1986). Ref. PS374 .S35 T89 1986

Sterling, C.H. (Ed.) (2004). Encyclopedia of radio. New York: Fitzroy Dearborn. This volume includes an entry on science fiction programs and some specific broadcasts, such as “War of the Worlds.” Ref. TK 6544 .M84 2004

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Find Journal Articles and Criticism

It’s a good idea to use several databases to locate articles for your papers, presentations, and projects. Choose from the lists related to:

science,
literature for specific topics, or use a
general database for articles on how science fiction is treated in popular culture.
Psychology, if the topic falls within this area
Newspapers/Current events databases can trace relevant topics through time

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Periodicals

Click here for database access to some SciFi periodicals.

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Web Sites

Center for the Study of Science Fiction
Owned by James Gunn and sponsored by the University of Kansas, this site provides access to many of Gunn's essays as well as other SF links of interest.

Locus Online
This is a web version of Locus Magazine that covers new SF books, magazines, and industry news.

Open Directory: Science Fiction
One stop for a list of web sites for all things SF-related: electronic texts, criticism, reviews, and more.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Research Database
"An online index to historical and critical items about science fiction, fantasy and horror." Check the Dowling Catalog for availability of these items or place an interlibrary loan request for books and articles.

Science Fiction Studies
A journal published by SF-TH Inc. at DePauw University. Search or browse back issues, including some "special topic" editions. You'll also find author interviews and a chronological bibliography of SF literature.

Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Media Resources
"Videographies" organized by topic (aliens, dystopias, time travel, etc.)

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