Documenting sources used in a paper can be challenging, especially with the variety of new electronic resources now available. Many different style manuals exist. Always ask your class instructor for the style appropriate for the course.
For assistance in compiling your References or List of Works Cited page, consult one of the following Internet sites. Keep in mind, however, that these Internet sites do not give instructions for all types of sources. Please refer to the print copy of the style manual if there is not an appropriate example online.
Cite Properly to Avoid Plagiarism! Plagiarism, "the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work" (Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2nd ed.), can be committed as an accidental oversight or intentionally. In any event, plagiarism is a very serious academic offense. Learn more about plagiarism at Duke's Guide to Library Research site. Be sure to check your institution's Student Handbook and/or Academic Honor Code for their definition of plagiarism and the consequences of being found guilty of it.
Style Manuals that may be available in your library (again, check with your instructor for the preferred style and edition):
Acknowledgment: This page was compiled by Nancy Connor, Cuyahoga Community College, and Linda Rich, Bowling Green State University. OhioLINK thanks Kelley A. Lawton and Laura Cousineau of Duke University Libraries, as well as Bedford/St. Martin's, for permission to reference their Web sites for this page.
August 2004