How to Cite

There are numerous formats used to cite sources. In all of them, the basic purpose is simple: provide enough information to readers to enable them to locate the source you used and the material you incorporated.

In the case of books and journals, the citation should include the

  • author's name,
  • title of the work (book, article),
  • publication information (title of the journal, publisher, publication date), and
  • page number(s) of the passage you used.
In the case of Web sites, similar information is required:
  • Author
  • Name of the site
  • URL (or Web address)
  • Date you visited the site
  • Location of the material within the site, if possible
A pile of books.
Your instructor will tell you which format to use in your assignments. The Library has copies of all the common format (style) guides.