LibGuides: First Gen Resources: Citing Your Sources

Why Cite Sources

Being able to properly cite and credit your sources is a crucial part of any research paper or project. Below are some style guides and tips for various writing styles, as well as some useful citation managers.

So Many Writing Styles. How Do I Use Them?

MLA Style Center The official website of the Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook, which provides free resources for students to assist with learning MLA Style.
MLA Format: Everything You Need to Know EasyBib provides an in-depth overview of the different components included in an MLA paper.

The Chicago Manual of Style Online From the Chicago Manual of Style, this website provides tutorials, quick tips, and student resources.
Chicago/Turabian Style Guide from EasyBib Provides introductory information about both the Chicago and Turabian Styles, paper formatting guidelines, and citation tips.

Academic Writer This link opens in a new window
Citation guideline sample papers and figures, and interactive tools to help with APA style 7th edition writing and documentation. (Chrome or Firefox recommended)

APA Style and Grammar Guidelines This APA resource provides information on paper format, in-text citations, mechanics of style, and bias-free language.
APA Style Blog Created by the American Psychological Association, this blog answers common questions about using APA Style and provides instructional aids.

APA 7th edition sample student paper A paper formatted for APA 7th edition that also provides commentary to explain the formatting requirements.
APA 7th edition professional paper tips This document provides assistance in identifying the frequent components of a professional APA paper and provides a how-to on adding page numbers and a running header.

Associated Press Stylebook Online
(requires NTNET log in). The online edition of the AP Stylebook is updated throughout the year. Topical guides and AP Blog also available.
AP Style Blog The official blog of the Associated Press provides information on AP Style, tips, and explanations on their standards.
AP Style Cheat Sheet This resourse provides quick tips on abbreviating words, capitalization, numbers, punctuation and more.

Citation Creation Help

Remember, computer generated citations are not perfect. While they are great for saving you some typing, always proof citations pulled from computer resources carefully with your citation manual.

BibMe Offers additional features with registration. Creates citations in two ways: auto-fill or using information you type in. Lets users store reference lists after creating accounts. Styles: APA, Chicago, MLA, and Turabian.
Endnote Web Requires registration. Lets users save, edit, and organize resource information, plus import existing references. Many Tarleton library databases will export source information to EndNote Web. Styles: ACS, APA, APS, ASME, CBE, Chicago, MLA, and citation styles for multiple journals.
Mendeley Requires registration. Lets users import, organize, and add annotations to files, as well as share works with other researchers and collaborate on projects. Generates citations and bibliographies. Offers free download (desktop and app). Styles: ACS, APA, APS, ASME, Chicago, MLA, and citation styles for thousands of journals.
Zotero Requires registration and download. Lets users import PDF files, images, audio and video files, web page snapshots, and more. Indexes file contents to enable searches. Many Tarleton library databases will export source information to Zotero. Styles: ACS, APA, APS, ASME, CBE, Chicago, MLA, and many others. Offers mobile apps.