Citing Your Sources
The English Department at Monterey Peninsula College has adopted the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers as the authority format for Works Cited Lists (bibliographies).
The citation style you use will depend on the style your instructor prefers. Whether your instructor wants you to use MLA, APA, or some other style, it is important is that you are consistent throughout your paper.
Why Do We Need Citations?
The research process involves collecting information from a variety of sources. Once you have gathered your sources, it is essential to give credit to those authors who created the information. If you use any ideas from a published work, even if you do not directly quote from the source, you must cite that source. Citing sources not only gives the proper credit to authors, it also allows the reader to easily find the source(s) you are using. If you do not quote the sources you use in your research, you are guilty of Plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the ideas and writings (literary, artistic, musical, etc.) of others and claiming them to be your own. According to MPC's Academic Standards, "Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty" and is subject to disciplinary action.
MLA (Modern Language Association)
Books in the MPC Library:
- MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
REF LB2369 .G53 2003
- Guide to MLA Documentation: with Appendix on APA Style
REF PN174 .T75 1999
- MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing
REF PN147 .G444 1998
Online Resources:
APA (American Psychological Association)
Books in the MPC Library:
- Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
REF BF76.7 .P83 2001
- Guide to MLA Documentation: with Appendix on APA Style
REF PN174 .T75 1999
Online Resources:
Chicago Manual of Style
Books in the MPC Library:
- Chicago Manual of Style
REF Z253 .U69 1993
- Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian)
REF LB2369 .T8 1996
Online Resources:
Other
Books in the MPC Library:
- New York Times Manual of Style and Usage
REF PN4783 .S5 1999
- Columbia Guide to Online Style
REF PN171 .F56 W35 1998
Online Resources: