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How do I Cite My Sources?: Home

Where to find information on citing sources in styles including APA, MLA, AMA, and Chicago.

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Help From the Writing Center

Multiliteracy Center

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The Multiliteracy Center can help with formatting papers and citing sources in APA, MLA, and Chicago style rules. Check their website for consultation scheduling and other services.

Welcome to the Guide!

The "Citation Styles" tab inside this guide will connect you to resources for citing sources in APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, AMA, ACS, and IEEE formats.

This guide also contains information on tools you can use to generate citations or create a bibliography.

Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the use of another author's words, theories, or ideas without giving proper credit.

avoid plagiarism

The best practice to avoid plagiarism is to give credit where credit is due. Here is a brief list of guidelines for when information must be cited:

  • When you use exact words or a specific phrase taken from an original source like a book, journal article, or magazine article.
  • When you rephrase an author’s ideas or information in your own words (paraphrase).
  • When you re-use tables, images, audio or videos from an original source.
  • When you use information from an interview or formal conversation with an individual.

Always take a few minutes when you proofread your papers to check for common mistakes that can lead to plagiarism. Here’s a short checklist:

checkDoes every direct quotation have a source citation?

checkDoes every paraphrase or summary have a source citation?

checkDoes every image, table, or other visual materials have a source citation?

checkDoes your list of works cited include all the sources used in your paper?

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Susan Vandagriff
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719-255-3027

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