Citing Sources
Citing your sources is an important part of researching with integrity. Here are some resources to help you manage and cite your references.
Consult your instructor about which style format to use. For help with improving your writing skills, see the Writing Center resources.
RefWorks
An online reference manager brought to you by the Library.
Create your own personal database of references which are correctly formatted in any citation style you choose: APA, MLA, and hundreds more. Insert citations into your research papers and automatically create the bibliography.
Start by creating your personal RefWorks account with your own login and password.
Zotero
Generate bibliographies and organize PDFs with this free, open source citation management tool.
Visit Zotero.org to download Zotero and set up an account. Loyola Marymount University has created some great video tutorials on how to get started with the standalone version of Zotero on PC and how to integrate Zotero with your word processor. For getting started with Mac, view this tutorial.
EndNote
Robust, multi-platform citation management software that allows you to sync across 3 different devices per license.
EndNote is not freely available, but students, staff and faculty can purchase the discounted academic version. In addition to technical support, EndNote offers extensive training videos, guides and webinars. EndNote can also be downloaded for a free 30 day trial.
Purdue Owl
Our favorite style guide web site is the OWL from Purdue University.
Start from their Research and Citation Resources main page, or go directly to their sections for citing in:
Check their left-hand menu to see all types of citation examples.
The Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style is now available online, with state-of-the-art recommendations on editorial style and publishing practices in the digital age.
AMA Manual of Style
The AMA Manual of Style is a must-have guide for anyone involved in medical and scientific publishing.
More Online Style Guides
General Style Guides
- Citation Style for Research Papers by Long Island University's B. Davis Schwartz Library
APA Style (American Psychological Association)
- APA Style by Northern Michigan University, Lydia M. Olson Library
Chigaco/Turabian Style
- Chicago/Turabian Documentation by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center
ASA Style (American Sociological Association)
- Formatting in Sociology by Purdue University's OWL
Other Styles (ASA, CBE, etc.)
- Resources for Documenting Sources by Purdue University's OWL
- Harvard Business School Citation Guide
- Vancouver Style
Citing Electronic Sources:
For MLA citations, check out these pages:
For citing essays in Opposing Viewpoints databases, see this guide.
For the APA style, try these pages:
- APA Style Guide to Electronic References
- APA's Frequently Asked Questions about APA Style
- Bedford St. Martin's Citation Styles Guide
- Northern Michigan University, Lydia M. Olson Library APA Style
Style Books in the Library
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
ASA style Guide / American Sociological Association
A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations / Kate Turabian