Citation Center

When using words or ideas other than your own in your research, it is essential to cite the sources used in your work to avoid plagiarism. If quotes or ideas are not attributed to their respective sources, your paper is plagiarized. For more information about your responsibilities, see LSCC's Academic Integrity Policy.

A citation refers the reader to the original source and must include essential information and specific punctuation. Style guides are sets of standards and guidelines used for making citations. By properly following these guides, you will give credit where it is due and you will avoid plagiarism.

Modern Language Association (MLA) (Tutorials)

• MLA Citation Guide (PDF)         Old MLA Citation Guide
• MLA Formatting Instructions (PDF)
• MLA Sample Paper (PDF) (MS Word)
• MLA Sample Paper with Footnotes (PDF) (MS Word)
• Citing Literary Sources (PDF)

American Psychological Association (APA) (Tutorials)

• APA Citation Guide (PDF)
• APA Sample Paper (PDF) (MS Word)

Annotated Bibliography

• Annotated Bibliography FAQ
• MLA Handbook Example (PDF) (MS Word)
• Little, Brown Handbook Example (PDF) (MS Word)
• APA Handbook Example (PDF) (MS Word)

For more information and examples, see the University of Wisconsin's Writing Center.