This guide was designed to provide you with assistance in citing sources when writing a paper. There are different styles which format the information differently, so select a tab above for the style you need and view some examples.
For additional assistance with citations, visit the Writing Center on the lower level of Maag Library.
"The purpose of a research paper is to synthesize previous research and scholarship with your ideas on the subject. Therefore, you should feel free to use other persons' words, facts, and thoughts in your research paper, but the material you borrow must not be presented as if it were your own creation."
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th Edition. New York: MLA. 55.
There are a number of different styles used to cite resources. The citation style usually depends on the academic discipline involved. For example:
Check with your professor to make sure you are using the required style. And whatever style you choose, BE CONSISTENT!
A reference list (or works cited page) requires that all references cited in the text of a paper must be listed alphabetically by the first author's last name in the list of references and that all references listed must be cited within the text.
A bibliography, however, typically includes resources in addition to those cited in the text and may include annotated descriptions of the items listed.