In order to properly cite your sources, you must format your citations according to the rules of a given citation style. Different disciplines use different citation styles, so always ask your instructor if they have a preferred style. If you are not assigned a specific style, choose the one you prefer.
The rules of a given citation style are listed in a style guide. DKU Library has physical copies of some of these guides, though they are more accessible online via Purdue University's Online Writing Lab.
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used across the social sciences, especially in Psychology. Access the APA style guide here:
An APA sample paper can be found here.
Source: Purdue OWL
The Chicago Manual of Style offers two different styles: the notes and bibliography system (for the humanities) and the author-date system (for the social sciences). Always ask your instructor if you are unsure which one to use. Refer to the style guides here:
You can find the print version in DKU Library's catalog here:
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition by The Modern Languages Association (MLA) style is used in the humanities, particularly English Literature. Refer to the MLA style guide here:
You can find the print version in DKU Library's catalog here:
Purdue University's Online Writing Lab is a powerful source that contains the style guides for the three most common citation styles - APA, Chicago and MLA. Below is a short tutorial on how to use the Purdue OWL.
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) style was used in Anthropology. In September 2015, the AAA forfeited its own style and has since been using the Chicago Manual of Style (author-date system).
The Council of Science Editors (CSE) style is formerly known as the Council of Biology Editors (CBE). See its style guide here:
