It's important to give credit whenever you quote somebody, borrow a concept or idea, or use somebody's research findings or other types of work — including charts, diagrams, photographs, etc.
Citing sources helps you:
- Show that your work is based on credible research.
- Avoid accusations of plagiarism or "stealing" ideas.
- Give credit to authors and creators.
- Help readers look up your sources to use or verify.
Using proper citation style is usually a requirement for any written assignments and publications. Keeping track of your sources using the appropriate style will help save time and effort looking things up again later.
Style guides also include rules for formatting your text, including title pages and bibliographies. Ask your instructor or a librarian if you're not sure which style to use.
APA American Psychological Association
APA is the most common citation style in social science courses and health and human services programs at CNC.
MLA Modern Language Association
MLA is the most common citation style in humanities, including English literature, arts, and philosophy.
Turabian/Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is a common style guide in publishing, used at CNC for technical writing and some history courses.
Vancouver Style (ICMJE Uniform Requirements)
American Anthropological Association (AAA) Style
American Chemical Society (ACS) Style
American Medical Association (AMA) Style
Note, this style is similar to ICMJE Uniform Requirements (Vancouver Style) above.
- AMA Manual of Style (REF R 119 .A533)
- Cite Right, by Charles Lipson. Chapter on AMA. (REF PN 171 .F56 L55)
- AMA Citation Style Guide (BCIT)
American Sociological Association (ASA) Style
Council of Science Editors (CSE/CBE) Style
Society for American Archaeology (SAA) Style
More Style Guides