ESL & ELL Research Guide: Citing Sources

When you cite you indicate that information is borrowed from a source. You need to do this every time you borrow information.

Why do you cite?

• to give credit to the person or persons responsible for the work you are using.
• to allow your readers to check on how you have interpreted the source.
• to allow your readers to access the source themselves.
• to demonstrate the research you have done on your topic.
• to lend credence to the positions you take in your paper.
• to use information ethically and avoid committing plagiarism.

The MLA Handbook, 9th edition, is the ultimate guide for using this citation style. The St. Martin's Handbook and credible online resources for using MLA citations are all based on the MLA Handbook. The library has two copies; ask for them at the Library Services desk.

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is the ultimate source for using this citation style.