University Library > Guides > Featured Resources > Citing References: APA, MLA or Turabian?

Citing References: APA, MLA or Turabian?

Draft your bibliography with style: it's ex-cite-ing!

Most UW-Whitewater professors require students to use a specific style when writing research papers. A style is essentially a list of rules about how to format writing, including how to cite sources. The choice of which style to use depends in large part on your research subject. The Quick Guides listed below are for the three most commonly used styles on campus, and include examples for frequently cited types of resources.

Style: As Described in: Used For: Quick Guide:
APA Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association Social sciences, communication, education, business, psychology APA Style
MLA MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing and MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers Humanities, arts, languages, literature, marketing MLA Style
Turabian A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations History Turabian Style

For the definitive answer to style questions, consult the official manuals at the Library's Reference Desk:

  • A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (7th ed.)
  • MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (6th ed.)
  • MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing (2nd ed.)
  • Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.)

There are many other writing styles. You may also encounter styles based on these books: Chicago Manual of Style, the ASA Style Guide, The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law & The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation to name a few.

Still have questions? We'll be happy to help you in person at the Reference Desk in the library, by telephone (262) 472-1032 or by email during regular Reference Desk Hours, and by chat during the hours listed on the AskWisconsin webpage.

Top of Page

Last Revised: MS - 8/22/2007