How to Cite Sources
Style Manuals: Guides to Citing Sources
Several standard guides, or style manuals, describe different forms for footnotes and bibliographies as well as specific guidelines for
preparing a paper. Some guides were developed for particular subject areas, and many academic departments in the University will require you
to use a specific guide or style manual.
- Ask instructors for their preferences. If no requirement is stated, you may select any style that suits your subject area.
- Remember: whatever format you choose, be sure to follow it consistently throughout the paper.
The style manuals used most often are:
MLA Handbook for
Writers of Research Papers (referred to as “MLA Style”)
Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations (referred to as “Turabian”)
Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (referred to as “APA Style”)
Chicago Manual of Style (referred to as “Chicago Style”)
American Medical Association Manual of Style (referred to as “AMA Style”)
The examples in these links can be used for quick reference. Keep these points in mind:
- Since only a few common categories are detailed here, variations may be necessary within the context of your paper.
- Consult the individual style manuals, available at the library reference desk, for complete style and documentation guidelines.
Some Additional Style Manual Links
APA Style Manual Resources
Electronic Reference Formats Recommended by APA
Citation Styles Online
Citation Styles, Plagarism, and Style Manuals: maintained by UC Berkeley Library
Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr.
IFLANET Citation Guide for Electronic Documents
