CPS Online Library Research Guide (UNH Manchester Library): Citing Your Sources

• APA Style: For assistance using APA style, consult the Guide to APA Style (7th edition)
  • Further APA resources are available from the Online Writing Lab. Also, watch the OWL videos on APA or view the APA Sample Paper

• MLA Style: These OWL resources will help you learn how to use the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation and format style. This section contains resources on in-text citation and the Works Cited page, as well as MLA sample papers, slide presentations, and the MLA classroom poster. MLA style is most frequently used for classes in the humanities and the arts. Watch the OWL videos on MLA; MLA Sample Paper
   
• Chicago Manual of Style This section contains information on the Chicago Manual of Style method of document formatting and citation. These resources follow the 16th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style, which was issued in September 2010. The Chicago Manual of Style is most frequently used for research papers in history and political science. NOTE: Many GSC instructors use APA in these subject areas, make sure to check with your instructor. CMS Sample Paper

The Link Between Style Manuals & Academic Disciplines

An Overview

To be an ethical researcher you must follow the rules that govern the use of others' work in your research paper. You must give credit any time you present a concept, paraphrase, or use the words or arguments of someone other than yourself. This credit will be in the form of in-text direction quotation, a citation in your Bibliography or Works Cited, or a footnote. The three basic rules for crediting others' work are:

1. Information taken from others must be acknowledged.

2. Credit is given for both direct and indirect quotations, and the quotations must be accurate; they should neither be taken out of context nor distort the author's meaning.

3. All citations must be consistently formatted in the chosen documentation format.

To follow these rules requires that you know and understand both the intent and the mechanics of scholarly documentation. There is no need to memorize the formatting rules. Instead, consult the relevant help resources when assistance and guidance are needed.

If you run into problems or have questions about the format please contact your instructor or the GSC Librarian.

What Citation Format Should I Use?

Your instructor should let you know what format is required for your coursework.

Style Manuals

Three things you need to know about style manuals:

1. They originally started as editing publishing standards so that articles published by an organization would be consistent in the look and feel of their publications. A style manual might prescribe the font, spacing, use of abbreviations, and punctuation, all aimed at making the final published work consistent with all the other published works by the organization.
2. While most of the style manuals you are familiar with (APA, MLA, etc) are for academic work, style manuals exist for newspapers, businesses, and even many colleges and universities have their own style manuals. The rules can be different for each organization.
3. Students need to know what their instructors require with regards to the style of their research papers, BUT no one needs to memorize the rules. You simply need to know where to look for the correct format for your research paper and related citations.