Citations and Referencing
GENERAL INFORMATION
The go-to site for Modern Language Association and American Psychological Association writing and citation styles is the Purdue Online Writing Lab. Use the left hand menus to find all the information, including a sample paper for each style.
What are citations? Why cite?
Citing Sources Matters http://library.duke.edu/research/plagiarism
A short video on avoiding plagiarism from Duke University. The right hand side menu includes a link to major citation styles.
Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QuotingSources.html
Examples of how to do it correctly from the Writer's Handbook, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
See also Writing in College Assignments
Citation Comparisons
If you are familiar with one style and need to use another, these resources can be helpful.
Citation Style Comparison Chart https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/citation_style_chart.html
The Purdue OWL provides a handy chart with examples of the differences among MLA, APA, and the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS or Chicago).
Comparing Citation Styles MLA and APA http://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2014/05/comparing-mla-and-apa-citing-resources.html
From the APA Style Blog, with links to other blog entries on the subject.
An Educational Guide to Citation Styles http://www.ericae.net/academic-necessities-citation-styles.html
This guide provides a comprehensive list of links to a wide variety of citation styles.
CITATION STYLES
American Psychological Association (APA) Style
In 2019, APA introduced the 7th Edition of the Publication Manual. Purdue OWL and others are working to switch over their style pages to the 7th edition. For the current transition, APA is leaving the archived edition of the APA 6th edition blog online. The websites in purple have information for the 6th edition. 7th edition sites follow.
APA Citation Examples https://www.umuc.edu/library/libhow/apa_examples.cfm
From the University of Maryland University College, examples for many different types of sources.
Basics of APA Style http://tinyurl.com/APABeginnersTutorial
This 21 minute tutorial from APA introduces writers to both APA style and format and to APA citations. Designed for those new to APA, it may be an option for students who have not worked with the style before.
Jr. Sr., III, and other Suffixes in APA Style http://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2012/03/jr-sr-and-other-suffixes-in-apa-style.html
The APA blogging team tells you what to do if your author's name has a suffix.
Citing Business Sources in APA Style http://www.d.umn.edu/~jvileta/citation.html
This web page belongs to a business reference librarian at the University of Minnesota and provides an example of an APA citation for most Business databases. Part of the site: Jim Vileta's Business Research Launch Pad.
Citing Business Databases in APA Style http://libguides.lib.msu.edu/citingbusdatabases
Examples for most business databases from Michigan State University.
How to Cite the DSM-V in APA Style http://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2013/08/how-to-cite-the-dsm5-in-apa-style.html
From the APA Blog
In Text Citations: the Basics https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/
In text citations, also known as parenthetical citations or in paper citations are explained here. Examples are provided on this page.
The Frankenreference (combining two citation examples in APA) http://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2010/02/the-frankenreference.html
The extremely helpful folks at the APA Blog help with the "what if my resource isn't in the book" question -- how to combine two examples to get a correct reference.
Specific rules for how to alphabetize in APA style, so your reference list is perfect!
How to Write an APA Style Reference When Information Is Missing http://blog.apastyle.org/files/missing-pieces---apa-style-reference-table-1.pdf
From the APA Blog , a chart showing how to edit your reference if not all the usual information is available, and how that changes the order of information in the citation. Shorter URL: https://bit.ly/2wJHulH
APA Style https://apastyle.apa.org/
Official site of APA style, with links to information and sales of the Publication Manual.
APA Sample Student Paper https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/student-annotated.pdf
An annotated sample paper showing formatting and a references page
APA 7th Edition Quick Reference Guide https://apastyle.apa.org/instructional-aids/reference-guide.pdf
The basic book and journal references in the 7th Edition
APA Style and Grammar 7th Edition https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/index
This guide should answer most questions about style and format. Arranged in categories with links for specific issues, including page order, tables, references, and many other popular questions.
APA: Missing Reference Information 7th Edition https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/missing-information
Chart explaining what to do if some of the citation information is not available.
APA Style Blog 7th Edition https://apastyle.apa.org/blog
Frequently asked questions, answered in detail.
See also Writing in College Assignments
Modern Language Association (MLA) Style
Note: MLA recently went to the 8th edition, which is a radical change for how electronic sources are handled. You'll want to check with the student to see which version they are using, and begin with any resources on their library page.
MLA 8th Edition:
Owl at Purdue MLA Guide https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
Miracosta College Citation Help: MLA http://library.miracosta.edu/mla
MLA Citation Style https://www.library.cornell.edu/research/citation/mla
Examples of page style, works cited entries, and in text citations from Cornell University Library.
MLA Citation Style http://guides.library.illinois.edu/citingsources/mla
Scroll down to the sample citations for a variety of common sources. There are links and additional information. From Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Citing Mergent Online http://www.mergentonline.com/Help/Citing%20Mergent%20Online%20as%20a%20Source%20-%20Help%20Page.htm
How to cite the online business database Mergent Online in MLA style.
How to Alphabetize a Works Cited List https://www.iup.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/research-and-documentation/mla-style/the-works-cited-page/
This page shows you a alphabetized list as well as examples for each type of writing. This page shows examples -- a finished Works Cited list is a strict alphabetical list of all sources and does not indicate the type of source in any type of heading.
MLA Sample Paper with instructions https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/documents/20190822MLASamplePaper.pdf
This sample paper includes notes about the paper and citation style, and includes a sample works cited page. Shorter link: https://bit.ly/2D9bpYn
See also Writing in College Assignments
Law and Legal Citations
Basic Legal Citation https://www.law.cornell.edu/citation/
This site includes a book, video series, and a blog on legal citation.
Canadian Legal Citations http://library.queensu.ca/law/lederman/legalcitation
Includes information on different types of citations, and also on how to find the citation information.
APA and Legal Citations http://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2013/02/introduction-to-apa-style-legal-references.html
Explains legal citation in APA, and includes links to specific questions, such as how to cite the U.S. Constitution.
The BlueBook Quick Guide https://www.legalbluebook.com/Public/FreeAccountSignup.aspx
If you register on this page, you can have access to the Quick Guide to the BlueBook Legal Style manual.
Chicago Manual of Style (Turabian) (CMS)
Chicago/Turabian Documentation https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/DocChicago.html
The Writing Center at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, provides a guide to both citation and formatting. The right hand menu includes a pdf document.
Citing Primary Sources in Chicago Style http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/chicago.html
As Chicago is the official citation style for History, and for the National History Day project, this guide from the Library of Congress is extremely helpful.
Q&A on Alphabetizing http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/qanda/data/faq/topics/Alphabetizing.html
Click on 'show all answers' to find out about alphabetizing in many different situations. The key question is are you alphabetizing letter by letter (as APA requires) or word by word? They refer you to the Chicago Manual of Style section 16.61 to see the in depth answers.
Council of Science Editors (CSE) Style
Citation Style and Format: Quick Guide http://www.scientificstyleandformat.org/Tools/SSF-Citation-Quick-Guide.html
A quick reference guide from the editors of the citation manual for CSE style.
Citation Wizard for Internet Sites in CSE Style http://21cif.com/tools/cite/cse/
If you need to cite open internet sources in CSE, this tools will create them for you.
American Sociological Association (ASA) Style
Quick Guide to ASA Style http://www.asanet.org/documents/teaching/pdfs/Quick_Tips_for_ASA_Style.pdf
Two page pdf file with guidelines based on the 4th edition of ASA style.
Harvard Referencing Style
Harvard Referencing, which is based on APA style, is used by many UK Universities. Each University has their own version of the style, so students must look at the information from their own library or web page. If you are helping a UK student, you need to check the policy page or library home page for their links to referencing information. Note also that what is commonly called a "citation" in the US is a "reference" in the UK (appears in the works cited list/references list/bibliography) and a "citation" is what appears in the text of the paper (US: in text or inline citation).
Harvard Reference Generator http://www.harvardgenerator.com/
This tool will allow you to type in an ISBN or a website address and it will create a citation for you.
Students must check to be sure that the citation conforms to the rules for their own University, which may differ from the programming for this site..
Harvard (AGPS) Style http://web.archive.org/web/20120313175609/http://www.lasalle.edu/academ/sba/faculty/Harvard.pdf
From the Victoria University of Technology, a comprehensive guide to Harvard style and how it works.
Each UK University has their own version of the Harvard style, so students must look at the information from their own library or web page; they cannot use this or any other resource for advice.
CITATION GENERATORS
Note that UK students may not use these services unless their library or University has a subscription.
Citation Creation Websites
Knight Cite http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/?op=register
Create citations in MLA, APA, or Chicago style using the menu on the left hand side of the page. Free registration allows you access to additional features, like saving your citations. You can create individual citations without registration. Easy to use and accurate for most basic citations.
Harvard Reference Generator http://www.harvardgenerator.com/
This tool will allow you to type in an ISBN or a website address and it will create a citation for you. Students should check to be sure that the citation conforms to the rules for their own University.
Citation Wizard for Internet Sites in CSE Style http://21cif.com/tools/citation/cse/citeWizard_cse_1.0.html
If you need to cite open internet sources in Council of Science Editors style, this tools will create them for you.
Zotero Bib https://zbib.org/
From the Zotero Citation Management System, this page allows you to create a quick bibliography/works cited in any citation system. You can enter a URL, DOI, ISBN or PMID, or create a citation manually.
BibMe http://www.bibme.org/
"The fully automatic bibliography maker that auto-fills. It’s the easiest way to generate citations to build a works cited page. And it’s free." BibMe offer an auto-complete form and a variety of citation styles, including Harvard. If you set up an account, you can save bibliographies. Information about how it is designed and how it compares to other services is found on their FAQ page.
EasyBib http://easybib.com/
EasyBib will create a citation from a web address. The site provides a free citation in MLA; to use any other styles or to save information, you have to buy an EasyBib Pro account, unless your school has an institutional subscription.
Make Citation http://www.makecitation.com/
Make individual citations in a wide variety of citation styles, including Harvard.
CITATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Citation Management Systems
Check first to see if the patron's library -- especially if it is a college or university library -- offers a citation management system. There will often be a guide for citation management systems or a link to a specific system, such as RefWorks, Flow, or EndNote. Most databases, and WorldCat, allow you to export citation information directly into the citation management systems.
A Comparison of Reference Management Software https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_reference_management_software
A comprehensive, technical, and detailed series of comparison charts for all the available citation management systems, free and fee based.
Zotoro https://www.zotero.org/
"Zotero [zoh-TAIR-oh] is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources" It is a program that you download. Read more about it here.
Mendeley https://www.mendeley.com/
"Mendeley is a free reference manager and academic social network. Make your own fully-searchable library in seconds, cite as you write, and read and annotate your PDFs on any device. Showcase your work and assess the impact of your research."
Quigga http://www.qiqqa.com/
"The essential free research and reference manager. Search for, read and annotate your PDFs. Then review your work, write up and create bibliographies instantly." Read more about it here. For Windows.
RefWorks http://www.refworks.com/
"RefWorks -- an online research management, writing and collaboration tool -- is designed to help researchers easily gather, manage, store and share all types of information, as well as generate citations and bibliographies." This is a paid service; individuals can subscribe to it, but if is usually an institutional subscription. If you are working with a university student, check to see if the library has a subscription and how the student gets the code they need to sign in. The company's other products are Write n' Cite and Flow. They have very good end user support materials, so direct struggling students to the Quick Start Guide.
How to import information from databases into RefWorks is explained on this page.
.
EndNote http://endnote.com/
"Find, use and share research with EndNote . It’s for more than bibliographies. Sync your EndNote library across your desktop, iPad and online. Work on your research from anywhere." This is downloadable software, and it is possible to purchase individual subscriptions. Some libraries have subscriptions for their students.
CITING SPECIFIC SOURCES
Government Documents
Citing (US) Government Documents in APA Style http://libguides.wlu.edu/c.php?g=158245&p=1036332
Examples and advice for citing U.S. federal government documents, from print and online sources. Washington & Lee University library.
Citing IGOs: Basic Style https://libraries.indiana.edu/guide-citing-igo-publications#basic
Indiana University Library provides information on how to cite government documents with examples from a variety of international organizations. Examples are based on Chicago Style.
Citing (U.S.) Government Documents: Basic Guide https://libraries.indiana.edu/guide-citing-us-government-publications
Explains the basics of citing government documents, including how to find the information needed in the document. Includes links to resources from the Indiana University collection, which may not work for non-IU students.
Government Documents Service: DocsCite http://www.asu.edu/lib/hayden/govdocs/docscite/docscite.htm
This unique citation creation tool is just for U.S. government documents. Choose APA or MLA and where you found the document, and get a form to create your citation, with a help link for each section.
Secondary Sources
Secondary Sources in APA http://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2010/05/secondary-sources-aka-how-to-cite-a-source-you-found-in-another-source.html
APA actually recommends that you find the original source if at all possible, but if you cannot, this page tells you how to cite a source quoted in another source.
Bible and Religious Texts
How to Cite the Bible http://www.messiah.edu/murraylibrary/guides/bible_cite.pdf
How to cite the Hebrew and Christian bible, with standard abbreviations.
WRITING, QUOTATIONS, PAPER STYLE, SAMPLE PAPERS
Paper Styles and Sample Papers
Using Signal Phrases http://tinyurl.com/o63asfj
How to introduce quotation and paraphrases in a research paper, using either in MLA or APA style papers.
APA Sample Paper https://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20090212013008_560.pdf
An annotated sample paper to show you everything you need to know about formatting a paper in APA style.
MLA Sample Paper https://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20090701095636_747.pdf
An annotated sample paper to show you everything you need to know about formatting a paper in MLA style.
AMA Formatting for a Paper http://research.wou.edu/amapaperformat
A sample paper for those using American Medical Association Style
See also Writing in College Assignments
9/28/2015 AAH
Links added 9/29/2015 AAH
Links added 9/30/2015 AAH
Links updated and checked 8/29/2016
Formatting changes 1/18/2017 AAH
Links added 7/30/2017
Links checked, broken links removed 7/26/2018 AAH
Link added at RN's request 9/20/2018 AAH
Links checked through APA 11/19/2019 AAH
Links checked through Citation Generators 11/22/2019 AAH
Links checked, edited and added through Citation Management systems 11/26/2019 AAH
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.