Drawing the Details from Your Sources

The Source Navigators show how to find the details needed to identify several types of sources you are likely to use. Each source is keyed to a menu to show where you might look for the details you need to record in a source entry, ready to be copied from a working bibliography to the list of sources ending the paper. Each entry also is accompanied by sample source notes.

See Ch. 36 on MLA style, Ch. 37 on APA style, and the Quick Research Guide for more examples.

The sample source entries show two common academic styles: MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association). Because MLA and APA entries differ, stick to the style your instructor expects. However, both require much the same information, as do academic styles for other fields. The chart located here summarizes what you’ll need to record, both the basics — details nearly always required to identify each type of source — and common additions or likely complications. When in doubt, record more than you’re likely to need so you won’t have to return to a source later on.