thumb|The reference section in a scientific paper Scientific citation is providing detailed reference in a scientific publication, typically a paper or book, to previously published (or occasionally private) communications that have a bearing on the subject of the new publication. The purpose of citations in original work is to allow readers of the paper to refer to cited work to assist them in judging the new work, source background information vital for future development, and acknowledge the contributions of earlier workers.
thumb|The reference section in a scientific paper Scientific citation is providing detailed reference in a scientific publication, typically a paper or book, to previously published (or occasionally private) communications that have a bearing on the subject of the new publication. The purpose of citations in original work is to allow readers of the paper to refer to cited work to assist them in judging the new work, source background information vital for future development, and acknowledge the contributions of earlier workers.