Creating Citations
Why Use Citations?
At this point, you probably know that when you are writing a paper or doing a project, you have to share what sources you used to write that paper. This is important for two reasons:
- You must give credit where credit is due! Someone worked to create that resource so you can use it in the paper, so you must cite that source to show that it assisted you in your writing.
- To show that your work is original! If you do not cite your source, what you have written is plagiarism, even if you have summarized what you wrote
MLA, APA, Chicago… what?
There are a variety of different styles that are used when you write your paper. You will see several different “types” of citations, such as MLA, APA, Chicago style, and more. Each style works for different topics of study.
For instance, APA will typically be for psychology, education and science. MLA lends itself to the humanities. Chicago style is typically used for business, history and the fine arts. However, your professor will tell you which style to use and you should never be afraid to ask.
More on citations to come.
Using Your School’s Resources
When you are writing papers for college, you will be expected to use several sources, and no- Wikipedia is not a source. These sources are expected to be reputable and will typically come from books, journals or articles in various publications. A google search won’t cut it. However, you are in luck for two reasons:
- Libraries in college are cool. Libraries serve as a quiet place to study, a place to print (free printing is often paid for in your “fees”), a computer lab and even a place to socialize. Your school issued student ID will get you in. Most students do their work in the library and on some campuses the library is even open 24 hours a day. It will definitely be a home base for you to do work. In short: books will be easily accessible to you.
- You will also use journals and articles to write your papers. These will be found in online databases through your school’s library’s website. Often times these websites will offer you the citation already created.
Resources and Tips for Creating Citations
To keep track of your citations, it would be beneficial to open a blank document and write them there. When you complete your paper, copy and paste the citations into the last page. Keep in mind that regardless of the citation, you will most likely be writing in Times New Roman, size 12, double spaced.
Secondly, there are a large number of websites that will generate the citation for you, you will not have to do it yourself. One of the best websites for creating citations is from the North Carolina State University citation builder found here. It is suggested that you bookmark this website and come back to you use it when you are writing papers.
