How to Cite Sources

Style Manuals: Guides to Formats to Citing Sources

Several standard guides, or style manuals, describe different forms for footnotes and bibliographies as well as specific guidelines for preparing a manuscript. 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 three style manuals used most often on this campus are:

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
http://www.lib.usm.edu/~instruct/guides/mla.html

Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
http://www.lib.usm.edu/~instruct/guides/turabian.html

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
http://www.lib.usm.edu/~instruct/guides/apa.html

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.

A good online overview of a number of different styles can be found at:

Citation Style for Research Papers
http://www.uakron.edu/library/gateway/subjects/music/style.html

World Wide Web and Internet often present a problem for bibliographies. Use the following source to find a list of WWW sites that provide guidelines for:

Citing Electronic Documents and Resources
http://www.ifla.org/I/training/citation/citing.htm

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