by Kristin Kayser
Like many of you, I’m taking a wide array of classes this semester, which means that I’m running into unfamiliar citation styles. When one paper required APA citation and another had to be written in Chicago style, I was a little stumped. I hadn’t used either style in a long time.
As a writing tutor, I have come across many students who were having the exact sameproblem. So I decided to look for different helpful resources available to Principia students. The options range from programs like NoodleTools to the actual books on citation styles at the tutor station in the library.
One great option is the Purdue OWL website which includes all styles of citations, in-text examples, bibliographies, and works cited help. The website is easy to navigate and has a ton of examples. This is definitely a website to check out for anyone with questions on citations and style guides.
Principia’s library website also provides students with citation guides and other aids as well. To find these, go directly to the Marshall Brooks Library home page. Use the link to Citation Guides to go to the library’s page on all the citation style guides. On this page, there are links to helpful resources like NoodleTools and the Purdue OWL website, and there are tabs across the top for nine—yes, nine—citation styles. Double check your assignment or ask your professor which style is appropriate since you can lose points for using the wrong citation style. One last suggestion for citation help is the tutor station in the library. There, students can find the manuals as well as brief handouts on the MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles. These sheets will give a student the “elevator version” of the citation style she is working with. Even better, if you have further questions, you can ask a tutor. Chances are they’ve helped another student with a similar question and are ready to help you too!
Kristin Kayser is a senior majoring in Education Studies with a minor in English. After graduation, she plans to head back to work at Walt Disney World.