SOURCE REQUIREMENTS FOR RESEARCH PAPER
Revised January 2009

1.  A minimum of five sources is required.  Your textbook is not allowed as a source.
2.  Sources can be electronically obtained or in print.  If online, you must use the Midlands
    Tech library databases and/or county library databases.  Your works cited page must
    indicate from which database location your source was retrieved.
3.  You may use websites which end as edu., gov., and most times, org., provided I have given
    approval for those websites.
4.  You are not allowed to use Wikipedia or any Wiki-based website.
5.  You may use only one encyclopedic source, online or print -- no more.  Dictionaries, atlases,
    and gazetteers are considered to be encyclopedic, as are most reference books.
6.  Do not locate your sources through search engines such as Google.  You may, however,
    gather background information to enhance your personal knowledge, but do not use for
    academic presentation.  
7.  Initially, your sources do not have to be a decisive list, but as your draft progresses as you
    submit portions of your paper throughout the semester, your source list will become more\
    refined.  All sources must be approved by your instructor.
8.  Submit two copies of your sources to me.  One will be returned to you, and one will be kept
    on file.
9.  Your sources must be submitted in proper MLA Works Cited format.  Remember to
    alphabetize your entries according to MLA requirements.