Why You Can't Cite Notes:
* Lack of Credibility: Your personal notes are not considered a published or verifiable source. They are your own interpretations and summaries of information.
* Potential for Bias: Your notes might reflect your own understanding and biases, which could be misconstrued as factual information.
* No Public Access: Notes are generally private and not accessible to others for verification.
What to Do Instead:
1. Cite the Original Source: If your notes are based on a specific book, article, website, or lecture, you should cite the original source directly. This ensures that your information is backed by reliable and publicly available evidence.
2. Use Footnotes or Endnotes: If your notes contain specific information that is not readily available in the original source, you can use footnotes or endnotes to explain the source of your information. For example:
> "The author's argument is based on the idea that..." (Smith, 2023, p. 15).
> *This information is based on my notes from the lecture on January 15, 2023, but I am unable to provide a specific citation for the lecturer's argument.*
3. Paraphrase and Summarize: Instead of quoting directly from your notes, paraphrase the information and attribute it to the original source. This allows you to integrate your notes into your writing without relying on them as a primary source.
4. Use Direct Quotations Sparingly: If you must quote directly from your notes, use quotation marks and attribute the information to yourself in a footnote or endnote. For example:
> "The author's argument is based on the idea that 'all humans are inherently good.'" (Smith, 2023, p. 15).
> *This quotation is from my notes from the lecture on January 15, 2023, but I am unable to provide a specific citation for the lecturer's argument.*
Remember: It's important to be transparent about the source of your information, even if it's your own notes. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is credible and ethical.