- University Libraries Databases
- WMU Research Guides
- Services for Graduate Students
- Citing Sources / Style Guides
Services for Graduate Students
Which Guide to Use?
Your instructor usually determines which style guide he or she wants you to use in your papers. If you don't know--ASK THEM!
Information on a variety of styles is available on the Libraries' Writing Style Guides page.
OWL -- The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University
The Writing Lab at Purdue University does a superb job of helping to guide students in the use of the writing style guides. Be sure and visit their site once you have put your own citations into the proper format to see check your work.
Most Common Citation Style Guides
Please visit the Citing Sources Guide for more information or look at the following quick guides to get you started.
- Quick guide to APA StyleA helpful handout on the basics of using APA style for creating your reference list as well as formatting citation within the text of your paper. The print version of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association can be found in Central Reference, Science Reference, Education Library and Music Library under the call number BF76.7.P83 2010.
- APA Style Guide to Electronic References, 6th edition This link opens in a new windowThis comprehensive online guide offers up-to-date information on formatting electronic references in APA Style.
- Chicago Manual of StyleThe online Chicago Manual provides detailed examples on proper style and formatting for print and electronic articles, theses, dissertations, books and more. WMU students, faculty and staff accessing the guide from off campus will need to log in with their BroncoNet ID and password.
- Chicago Manual of Style Quick GuideProvides examples of the most-commonly cited types of sources.
- MLA Quick GuideOffers examples of the types of sources most often cited. The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers can be found at Central Reference, Education Library and Music Library under the call number: LB 2369.G53.
Citation Software
Quick Citation Formatting in Databases. Many databases allow you to format citations into various writing styles. When available, look for the wording “cite” or “cite now,” or see if it is an option after clicking on “save, print, email.”
If you choose to use software to manage citations as well as store and organize PDFs and other documents, there are many available. WMU Libraries support both Mendely and Zotero. See information and links on this page for further details.