show the careful work you have put into locating and exploring your sources thus allowing the reader to find your research sources.
provide evidence for your arguments and adds credibility to your work by demonstrating that you have sought out and considered a variety of viewpoints on a given topic.
allow you to acknowledge those authors who contributed to your learning and your work.
demonstrate that you understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally
The ACS style guide : effective communication of scientific information by 