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Biology Research Guide

What is a citation style?

A citation style is a standard approach for documenting sources that you quote, consult, or summarize in your research papers. Proper use of citation styles helps you construct effective papers, share knowledge efficiently with others, and avoid plagiarism.

For most styles, you cite your sources in two places:

  1. Within your paper - Immediately after using a source, include a parenthetical citation, footnote or endnote.
     
  2. At the end of your paper - Assemble a complete list of your sources. This is known as a "Bibliography," "Reference List" or "Works Cited" section.

Different academic disciplines use different citation styles; your instructor may require you to use a particular style, or may allow you use one of your choosing.

This guide has been developed to help you get started with the citation styles most commonly used at Frostburg State University.

Citation Styles

PLEASE NOTE: FOR SPRING SEMESTER 2021 DUE TO COVID-19, THE LIBRARY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU USE ONLINE INFORMATION SOURCES FOR THE STYLE GUIDES.

If you need assistance, please contact a Research Librarian at: https://frostburg.libanswers.com/