This is a basic guide summarizing citations, including the different citation types and common styles (APA and MLA), citation software options (EasyBib, RefWorks, and Zotero), tutorials, and other resources to help students (or anyone) with their citation needs.
The guide is organized in the following way (tabs on the left):
Citations Overview: Discusses this guide and provides a summary of citations.
APA: Details information about the APA citation style, includes information on in-text citations, references, examples, video tutorials (how tos), and links for additional information.
MLA: Details information about the MLA citation style, includes information on in-text citations, works cited, examples, video tutorials (how tos), and links for additional information.
Citation Software (Tools, Managers): Provides information on three common software options (EasyBib, RefWorks, and Zotero) to help with citation management. These can help with both APA and MLA citation styles!
Additional Resources: Links to other helpful citation resources.
Help & FAQS
Citations are how writers provide a source or reference to a quote, idea, or information, used in their piece of writing. The use of citations in academic writing not only provides the source for the reader to research further, but the citation also acknowledges the original authors.
Accurate and careful use of citations helps to avoid plagiarism, shows that you've done research, and strengthens your work. They also help readers learn more about your topic and distinguish your ideas from those of your sources.
Citations are required when you directly quote, paraphrase, or summarize someone else's ideas. You should also cite ideas that have been critical in developing your own ideas.
Citations typically include the author, title, publisher, date published, and page numbers. Yet, there are different citation formats (called citation styles) (e.g. APA, MLA).
Citations are placed in-text as brief notations, such as footnotes or parenthetical notes. A list of all citations, called a bibliography, works cited page, or list of references, is placed at the end of the paper.