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Citation Guides: Home

Scholars use style guidelines to properly credit sources used in their writings and to build credibility. Proper use of style formats can also protect students from accusations of plagiarism or unintended copyright infringement.

Basic Style Guides

There are numerous style guides each developed for use by specific subject specialties and disciplines. The three major citation styles are:

  • APA Style (American Psychological Association) used primarily in the social sciences, education, and engineering. At Spring Hill College it is also used by the School of Nursing.
  • MLA Style (Modern Language Association) and is often used in the humanities.
  • Chicago Style is often used in History, Theology, and frequently required for articles being published in academic journals. We also refer to Turabian Style (named for author Kate L. Turabian) which is the student version of Chicago style for papers that are not being submitted for publication. 

If you are not sure which citation style you should be using, be sure to ASK YOUR PROFESSOR!  

This LibGuide will provide a general overview of how to use each style. However, for detailed information you should refer to the official publication manuals either in print or online.

REGARDLESS OF THE STYLE YOU ARE USING, BE SURE THAT YOU USE IT CONSISTENTLY THROUGHOUT YOUR PAPER. 

DO NOT MIX CITATION STYLES!

Style Guides

Information on these styles can be found in print manuals in the Reference Department (see Call Numbers below) or online. 

Style Tutorials from YouTube