One complete series
Sources, citations, reference lists, DOIs, URLs, formatting, retractions and alphabetical order.
Foundations of Referencing
Videos and walkthroughs
Your starting point for the full 16-video referencing series.
Start with the first video, browse by topic, or use the full menu below. Each short page complements the video with a clear explanation, transcript, example and route to the next lesson.
Short lessons
Plain English
Ref-Check connected
Designed to reduce confusion
Each page uses plain language, practical examples and a transcript for users who prefer to read.
Links into Ref-Check
The videos explain the ideas behind the checks users see when reviewing citation and reference quality.
Choose your route
Use the series in the way that fits the learner
Some users will watch in order. Others may need a specific topic before checking or improving their work.
Start from the beginning
Best for students or new users who want the full foundations sequence.
Open Video 1Understand citations
Useful when users are unsure how in-text citations connect to the reference list.
Open citation videoCheck source details
Helpful for journal articles, DOIs, book chapters, webpages and URLs.
Open source videosReview quality issues
Use when a source, reference or reference list needs closer attention.
Open quality videosFull series menu
Foundations of Referencing videos
Open any lesson directly. The lesson pages also include previous and next navigation so you can continue through the series.
01Start here
What is academic referencing?
The big picture: using sources clearly and honestly.
Open video 02Why it mattersWhy does referencing matter?
How referencing builds trust, credit and a clear evidence trail.
Open video 03SourcesWhat is a source?
What counts as a source and how sources support academic writing.
Open video 04CredibilityWhat makes a source credible?
How to think about trust, relevance and suitability.
Open video 05CitationWhat is an in-text citation?
How a short citation works inside the writing.
Open video 06Reference listWhat is a reference list?
How full source details help the reader trace your evidence.
Open video 07Author-dateWhat does author-date referencing mean?
How the author and year connect writing to the reference list.
Open video 08DatesWhy dates matter in referencing
Why publication and access dates help readers judge sources.
Open video 09Journal articleWhat is a journal article?
How journal articles connect writing to academic evidence.
Open video 10DOIWhat is a DOI?
How a stable identifier helps readers find the exact source.
Open video 11Book chapterWhat is a book chapter reference?
How to point readers to the exact chapter used.
Open video 12WebpageWhat is a webpage reference?
Which details help readers find the exact online page.
Open video 13URLWhy a URL is not always enough
Why a web address alone may not fully identify a source.
Open video 14RetractionWhat is a retracted source?
Why withdrawn sources need caution and careful judgement.
Open video 15FormattingWhy does reference formatting matter?
How structure and consistency help source details make sense.
Open video 16OrderWhy alphabetical order matters
How ordering a reference list helps readers find sources quickly.
Open videoWhere Ref-Check fits
The videos explain what users are checking and why it matters.
Ref-Check helps users check citation and reference-list consistency, formatting, DOI and URL details, and sources that may need closer review. The Foundations series supports that process by helping users understand the referencing ideas behind those checks.