Rachel Kramer
Research Librarian
she/her/hers
MCC Learning Commons
rkramer@mclennan.edu
254-299-8390
A citation generator may serve as a starting place to help you create citations.
However, you cannot rely only on a citation generator as you create your References or Works Cited pages. They often contain errors, especially in formatting and punctuation, or do not include all of the needed information.
Make sure you crosscheck your machine-generated citations against a writing style guide website, like the Purdue Owl (Online Writing Lab), which will show you each part needed for each kind of citation you are creating.
Image of fluorescent Citations sign courtesy of zobaair, via Adobe Stock.
Your instructor's preferred citation style may vary, so make sure you review your assignment prompt to find out which style they prefer, and then select that style in the "Know Your Citation Styles" box, below. The links within that box will take you to citation guidance.
Remember that each citation style requires a different format (the way the paper is set up). Scroll down to watch videos that teach how to format your papers in either APA or MLA style.
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) is commonly used in the social sciences. It provides two different format styles, one for students and one for professionals. Confirm which style you should use with your instructor.
Use your APA manual or the links below to learn more about APA requirements.
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is commonly used in the humanities. It provides the option of two different documentation styles, so ask whether your instructor requires the author-date style or the notes-bibliography style.
Use your CMS manual or the links below to learn more about CMS requirements.
The Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook is commonly used in the humanities. It is particularly popular for English courses, but confirm with your instructor before using it.
Use your MLA manual or the links below to learn more about MLA requirements.
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (called Turabian style) is a modified form of the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) and is commonly used for student work in the humanities. Confirm with your instructor before using it.
Use your Turabian manual or the links below to learn more about Turabian requirements.
Below, you will find instructions for formatting your paper in APA 7 in either MS Word or Google Drive.
FYI: Although these videos state that you can use any font, most instructors prefer Times New Roman 12-point font. Review your assignment prompt to determine your instructor's preference.
Although this video states that you can use any font, most instructors prefer Times New Roman 12-point font. Review your assignment prompt to determine your instructor's preference.
Are you struggling to find research materials, use our library databases, or write citations and references? Our research librarians can help!
Just need a little help? Visit the Learning Commons' third-floor desk in the Learning Technology Center (LTC), or contact us via live chat or email. You can also call us at 254-299-8325.
Need a lot of help? Schedule a research consultation with one of our research librarians. It's their job to help you succeed!
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
Academic Support and Tutoring (AST) provides free tutoring to MCC students (including writing and citation assistance) and free support and tutorials for college-related software.
AST offers in-person support in the Learning Commons, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Learning Technology Center (LTC). You can also reach out to AST via phone, Zoom, or email.
Use the link above to learn more about AST and locate its contact information and hours.
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
