MLA, APA, and Chicago Styles

MLA, APA, and Chicago styles are the three most common documentation styles required by Calvin professors. The official rules and guidance for these styles are provided the manuals listed below. All three manuals can be found in print in the Reference Collection and also at the Research Assistance Desk (click on the links for online versions).

• MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 6th ed. - LB2369 .G53 2003
• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed. - BF76.7 .A46 2001
• The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th ed. - Z253 .U69 2003

IMPORTANT:  A number of tools (such as those listed below) help with generating citations automatically, but they are not always correct nor cover every situation. The style manuals are considered the authorities for citation and formatting rules.

Citation Generators

Use KnightCite, Calvin's own citation generator (works with MLA, APA, and Chicago styles).

• NoodleTools (MLA and APA) - Try the free version, NoodleBib Express
• Citation Machine (MLA, APA, Chicago) - another free citation generator
• Microsoft Word 2007's citation generator (under the References tab)

Further Help with Citations

Still have questions?  These websites provide extensive examples and help with documenting sources:

• St. Martin's Handbook, 6th ed. - See "Documenting Sources" for help with MLA, APA, Chicago, and CSE Styles. (A print copy of the St. Martin's Handbook can be found at the Research Assistance Desk.)

• Research and Documentation Online