Citation Guide

Citations are essential to writing good papers.  They are important for a number of reasons:

• It gives proper credit to the work's creator.
• It enables the researcher to find the work cited in order to verify the accuracy and interpretation of what is quoted or referred to.
• It is a check on the false attribution and misleading use of information.
• It allows YOUR ideas to stand out clearly in the text.  
• It helps reduce the possibility of plagiarism as you have clearly stated the sources for your information and ideas.

Citation happens at two points in your paper:

1. at the immediate point in the document where you use or reference someone else's work (in-text citation);
2. in the bibilography, reference list or work cited page at the end of your paper.

Citation styles are rules set for writing and formatting research papers.  These rules cover the mechanics of writing, format, and correct form of documentation. 

MLA and APA are just two of the most popular citation styles.  Be sure to check with your instructor on which style they prefer.  

These links can be useful in automatically creating citations.  

Sample papers from Purdue OWL that show proper mechanics of writing, format, and correct form of documentation: