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How Do I Cite Sources?

There are several ways to get help with citing sources. Help is available online or by using the handbook or style guide of the particular citation style you're using to document your paper.


The Undergraduate Library also provides the Citation Builder, an online tool to help format citations. Simply enter the necessary citation information, and your citation will be generated in MLA, APA, and CBE format. It is recommended that you verify the citation with the appropriate handbook before submitting it.


The Citing Information Tutorial contains a self-paced instructional module to introduce you to citing information in the various styles.


You can also refer to the citation style guides, which are located in the reference departments of the Undergraduate Library and Davis Library.

  • APA: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association located at UL and Davis Reference Desks (Call Number BF76.7.P83 2001).
    APA Style is used in social sciences disciplines: psychology, sociology and education.

  • MLA: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers located at UL and Davis Reference Desks (Call Number LB2369.G53 2003).
    MLA Style is the format preferred by disciplines in the arts and humanites such as languages and literature.

  • Chicago Manual: The Chicago Manual of Style (Fifteenth Edition) located at UL and Davis Reference Desks (Call Number Z253.U69 15th ed. 2003).
    Chicago Style is used most often for arts and humanities disciplines like history.

  • CBE: Scientific Style and Format: the CBE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers located at UL Reference Desk (Call Number T11.S386 1994).
    CBE Style is preferred in Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Medicine, Physics and Mathematics.

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    URL: http://www.lib.unc.edu/house/how_do_i/researching/cite_sources.html
    This page was last updated Thursday, November 08, 2012.