There are quite a few different ways to properly cite resources in your paper. The citation style usually depends on the academic discipline involved. For example:
Some departments or individual professors create modified versions of citation styles that they expect you to follow as well.
Bottom line: Check with your professor to make sure you use the style required for that class. And whatever style you choose, BE CONSISTENT!
YOU SHOULD CITE WHEN:
WHEN REFERRING TO A SOURCE, YOU HAVE THREE OPTIONS FOR USING IT:
"Which option you should choose depends on how much of a source you are using, how you are using it, and what kind of paper you are writing, since different fields use sources in different ways." Grounds for Argument. When to Quote, Paraphrase, or Summarize a Source. Used under CC BY NC SA
Image: Random quote by Gabriel Jones. Used under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
YOU DO NOT NEED TO CITE:
Many different tools exist to assist you in the process of creating a citation entry. There are advantages and challenges to working with these tools.
Common mistakes include:
The biggest mistake is in completely trusting a citation generator to make no errors. Make sure you closely review all citations created in this way. You'll also still want to refer to your citation style guide to learn how to format your works cited/reference page.
See some choices for helpful citation managers and generators
Need help citing the sources you find? The following guides can help you cite in MLA, APA, or Chicago style. Find more information online at the sources listed below or on the the Purdue OWL website. If you get stuck, come and talk to us in Research Help (in the library basement)!
Provides guidelines for American English writing style, grammar, punctuation, and citation. Users can choose either the 17th or 18th edition. The online version also includes tools (such as sample correspondence and proofreaders' marks), searchable Q&A entries, and a Quick Guide to citation.
"The purpose of a research paper is to synthesize previous research and scholarship with your ideas on the subject. Therefore, you should feel free to use other persons' words, facts, and thoughts in your research paper, but the material you borrow must not be presented as if it were your own creation."
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th Edition. New York: MLA. 55. Print.
The Writing Center, located on the first floor in duPont Library, provides objective peer support to Sewanee students who seek assistance with their writing projects.
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