Style Manuals and Citation Guides

In academic writing it is important to acknowledge outside ideas and concepts that you have used in your own work. Generally, the use of supporting resources is documented both within the body of the paper and in a bibliography at the end of the paper. There are many different formats for citing resources, ask your professors which citation style is most appropriate for your field or major.

Online Style Manuals and Citation Guides

Citation Generators

Style Manuals and Citation Guides in the Cofrin Library

Library Article Databases that Support Automatic Citation Generation

Online Style Manuals and Citation Guides

The library has many style manuals available in the reference section of the library on the 3rd floor. In addition, we have compiled some internet-based citation guides for your use. The links below will provide information on various citation styles, tips for preparing an annotated bibliography, and guidelines for in-text citations in the MLA, APA, Chicago, Scientific, and ASA styles:

Documenting in the APA Style
The Cofrin Library resource page for citing sources in the American Psychological Association (APA) style, the most common style for the social sciences.

Documenting in the MLA Style
The Cofrin Library resource page for citing sources in the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, the most common style for the humanities.

Chicago Documentation Style
This site from Diana Hacker provides examples of the Chicago style of documentation, often used in the field of history.

Sciences: Documenting Sources
This site from Diana Hacker offers examples of the Scientific Style and Format, published by the Council of Biology Editors (CBE.) This citation style is often used by natural scientists.

Documenting in the ASA (American Sociological Association) Style
This site from Purdue University provides examples of the ASA Style of documentation. You can also try looking at Trinity University's ASA Guide.


List of Style Manuals
Here you will find a list of style manuals for many different disciplines. For help with using other documentation styles, please contact the Cofrin Library Reference Staff.

In-Text Citations:
Most citation styles recommend in-text citations when using other author's ideas to support your work. This guide will provide examples and guidelines for in-text citations for the APA and MLA citation styles.

Preparing an Annotated Bibliography
An annotated bibliography is an organized list of sources with critical and explanatory notes provided for the reader. It generally consists of a representative sample of the best material on a specific topic. This resource provides guidelines on both researching and preparing an annotated bibliography.

EndNoteWeb - Citation mangement software

Citing Government Sources

Free Automatic Citation Generators
Type in your information and have your citation compiled for you. Be aware that these are not foolproof and mostly handle basic kinds of citations. You will still need to verify that your citation is correct and check your spelling, capitalization, etc.

Citation Machine for APA and MLA formats
KnightCite for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles
NoodleBib Express for APA and MLA formats
EasyBib for MLA style
DocsCite for citing government publications in APA or MLA formats

Style Manuals and Citation Guides in the Cofrin Library
The print versions of the style manuals for each format provide much more extensive informatio and examples than these websites. You may need to consult them for instructions on some of your sources. The major ones held in the library are:

The following guides can also be found in the library. Items with call numbers beginning with REF are kept in the reference section of the library:

Electronic Web

Genealogical Records & Histories

Government Documents

Journalism

Scientific

Library Article Databases that Support Automatic Citation Generation
As you are searching and selecting articles in the following databases you can generate a citation list as you go and have it formatted in a variety of styles. You may need to register (it's free) and set up a personal account with some vendors before you begin in order to use this feature. Please contact a Reference Librarian if you need some assistance in getting this set up or generating your citation list. Again, you should check the results carefully for accuracy.

rev. 16 Dec 2008