Citing Sources 

In Spring 2009, the Modern Language Association (MLA) released the seventh edition of MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.  This edition includes a number of changes in its citation rules.  See this helpful overview from Purdue's Online Writing Lab (OWL) of the changes.  (Since the changes are so new, note that many handbooks such as St. Martin's may not yet have incorporated the new rules, and some professors may still want you to use the older style.  Always ask your professor about his/her citation expectations!)

The American Psychological Association (APA) has also just released a new (6th) edition of its Publication Manual.  It contains citation guidelines previously published (2007) in a specific guide for electronic references.

Your professor will usually specify the citation style required for your paper or project. Always check with him or her about any specific questions regarding expectations and requirements. Some general guidelines, though:

MLA style - typically used in the Humanities (e.g., English)

APA style - used for Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Sociology)

Chicago style - used in History; also, a version of Chicago style, Turabian, is often used in Calvin Religion and Seminary courses

MLA, APA, and Chicago styles are the three most common documentation styles required by Calvin professors. The rules and guidance for these styles are provided the manuals listed below. They can be found in print in the library's Reference Collection and also at the Research Assistance Desk:

• MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing (also: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers)

• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
 
• The Chicago Manual of Style

Note that a number of online tools and resources may offer citation help, but they are not always correct nor cover every situation. The style manuals are considered the authorities for citation and formatting rules.

You may also want to check the official websites for these styles: MLA, APA, Chicago.

Citation generators are online tools that create your citations for you (you just need to enter the information):

Use KnightCite, Calvin's own citation generator (works with MLA, APA, and Chicago styles).

Or try:

• NoodleTools (MLA and APA) - Try the free version, NoodleBib Express
• Citation Machine (MLA, APA, Chicago) - another free citation generator
• Microsoft Word 2007's citation generator (under the References tab)

Thomson-Gale databases provide two sources of citation help. For most items, look at the bottom of the record to find the "Source Citation" in MLA style. Or, use the "Citation Tools" option on the right side of the database screen, which also offers APA formatting. Examples of Thomson Gale databases (click for full list): General OneFile Academic OneFile Health Reference Center Academic

CSA databases allow you to mark records and then save or e-mail them to yourself using the citation style of your choice.

Examples of CSA databases (click link for full list):

• MLA International Bibliography
• PAIS International and PAIS Archive
• PsycINFO
• Sociological Abstracts

Many of the FirstSearch databases are also providing help with citations. When viewing a full record, click on the "how to cite" link to bring up formatted citations in all the major styles.

Examples of FirstSearch Databases (click link for full list):

• ArticleFirst
• WilsonSelectPlus
• WorldCat

Other databases provide the option to view, save, or export records in a selected citation style. Examples:

• ABI/INFORM
• Communication & Mass Media Complete

Still have questions?  These websites provide extensive examples and help with documenting sources:

• St. Martin's Handbook, 6th ed. - See "Documenting Sources" for help with MLA, APA, Chicago, and CSE Styles. (A print copy of the St. Martin's Handbook can be found at the Research Assistance Desk.)

• Research and Documentation Online