Citation and Formatting Resources
We have created starter guides and compiled links to resources that we use to navigate the details of different citation and formatting styles. Our writing consultants are always ready to work with you to interpret and apply the guidelines and conventions of these and other styles.
Style and Citation Starters by the CSUSB Writing Center
Use our "Style and Citation Starters" to get a taste of the basics of writing within the conventions of different academic styles. The three most common styles we see are represented below.
APAAmerican Psychological Association Current Edition: 7th | MLACurrent Edition: 9th | ChicagoCurrent Edition: 18th |
|---|---|---|
Formatting | Formatting
| Formatting |
In-Text Citations | In-Text Citations | In-Text Citations |
References | Works Cited | Bibliography |
Referencing AI | Citing AI | Citing AI |
Sample Papers | Sample Papers | Sample Papers |
Additional Resources | Additional Resources | Additional Resources |
Notes on working with AI
Guidelines for working with and citing AI are still under development. We should expect guidelines by APA, MLA, Chicago, and CSUSB to change as AI changes. At the Writing Center and Graduate Writing Center, our writing consultants can talk with you about the most recent updates to the ever-changing guidelines.
- APA Publishing Policies (follow this link, then click "APA policy on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in scholarly materials")
- APA Journals policy on generative AI: Additional guidance
- MLA Publishing Policies on Generative AI
Other Citation and Formatting Styles
APA, MLA, and Chicago are not the only styles! There are other citation and formatting styles that you may be asked to use depending on your major or project. Here are some resources for some of the other styles we see occasionally in the Writing Center.
AP (Associated Press) Style
The AP style of writing, referencing, and formatting is used primarily for journalistic writing and publication. AP Style focuses on writing with brevity and clarity and sets uniform guidelines for things like abbreviations, capitalization, and numerals.
- AP Style Guide (subscription needed)
- Purdue OWL Introduction to AP Style
ACS (American Chemical Society) Style
The ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication focuses on clear and accessible and communication in order convey scientific information to three primary audiences: peers, decision-makers, and the general public.
- ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication (access available via CSUSB Pfau Library)
Even More Styles
There are even more styles that you might encounter! Purdue University has compiled a list of citation and formatting styles organized by discipline.