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Citation Guide

Learn how to use the two most widely used citation styles for writing research papers and assignments.

Why are citations important?

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.

Where do you cite?

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.

Imagine Easy Solutions. “What are In-Text Citations?” Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 30 September 2014. Web. 15 June 2015.

More Research Guides

Research assignments can be difficult to begin, especially if you are not sure how to get started.  This guide is intended to help you cite sources in MLA and APA format.

For more research and writing help, check out the guides below.