Citing Your Sources
Proper citation is an essential aspect of scholarship. Citing properly allows your reader or audience to locate the materials you have used. Most importantly, citations give credit to the authors of quoted or consulted information. Failure to acknowledge sources of information properly may constitute plagiarism. For an explicit definition of plagiarism, see the Boston University Academic Conduct Code.
For detailed instructions on how to cite within the text of your paper, please consult a style manual listed below. Please also note: some of the resources below do not cover every possibility you might encounter when trying to cite your sources. For this reason, it is suggested that you consult a style manual to create your bibliography.
BU Librarians often recommend 
RefWorks as the best tool to manage citations and most importantly RefWorks can automatically create a bibliography in hundreds of styles. Accounts are free for the BU community so only use your bu.edu email address when creating an account. There are other such tools.
Chicago Style
- Chicago Manual of Style Online This link opens in a new windowNote: Full text online includes 16th and 17th editions.
- Citation Quick Guide- A Chicago Style Q&A and a Tools section featuring sample forms, letters and style sheets.
- Discover the difference between Notes & Bibliography style and Author/Date style. - Citation Guide (HBS)This excellent guide in .PDF from the Harvard Business School covers citation within text as well as how to do a bibliography using Chicago style.
Print Book
Note:
1. Lynda Gratton, The Key: How Corporations Succeed by Solving the World’s Toughest Problems (New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2014), 67-71.
Shortened note:
10. Gratton, The Key, 67-71.
Bibliography entry:
Gratton, Lynda. The Key: How How Corporations Succeed by Solving the Toughest Problems. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2014.
E-Book
Note:
13. Peter Weill and Stephanie L. Woerner, What's Your Digital Business Model?: Six Questions to Help You Build the Next-Generation Enterprise (Harvard Business Review Press, 2018), 21-23, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/bu /detail.action?docID=5180058.
Shortened note:
15. Weill and Woerner, What's Your Digital Business?, 21-23, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/bu /detail.action?docID=5180058.
Bibliography entry:
Weill, Peter and Stephanie L. Woerrner. What's Your Digital Business?: Six Questions to Help You Build the Next-Generation
Enterprise. Harvard Business Review Press 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central,
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/bu /detail.action?docID=5180058.
Journal Article from a database
Note:
19. Samson Nambei Asoba and Nteboheng Patricia Mefi , "Functional Strategies for Small Businesses During Crisis Situations," Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal 27, no. 3 (2021): 2-3. https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Ffunctional-strategies-small-businesses-during%2Fdocview%2F2565213471%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Shortened note:
27. Asoba and Mefi, "Functional Stategies," Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal 27, 2-3. https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Ffunctional-strategies-small-businesses-during%2Fdocview%2F2565213471%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676
Bibliography entry:
Asoba, Samson Nambei and Nteboheng Patricia Mefi. "Functional Strategies for Small Businesses During Crisis
Situations." Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal 27, no. 3 (2021): 1-7. [place url here].
Electronic Databases (BU Databases)
Mergent Online (Electronic database)
Note:
25. Thomas Key, "Comprehensive Technical and Fundamental Analysis for AAPL," Mergent Online, Stock Trader's Daily (via Investext), Sept. 15, 2021, accessed 9-17-21, [place url here].
Bibliography entry:
Key, Thomas. "Comprehensive Technical and Fundamental Analysis for AAPL." Mergent Online.
Stock Trader's Daily (via Investext). Sept. 15, 2021, accessed 9-17-21, [place url here].
MarketLine Company Profile via Business Source Complete (Electronic database)
Note:
31.“Company Profile: Apple Inc., “Company Profile: Apple Inc.,” MarketLine Report via Business Source Complete, accessed October 17, 2014, [place url here].
Bibliography entry:
“Company Profile: Apple Inc., 19 September 2014.” MarketLine Report via Business Source Complete.
Accessed October 17, 2014. [place url here].
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition by
Technologies may change, but the need for clear and accurate communication never goes out of style. That is why for more than one hundred years The Chicago Manual of Style has remained the definitive guide for anyone who works with words. In the seven years since the previous edition debuted, we have seen an extraordinary evolution in the way we create and share knowledge. This seventeenth edition of The Chicago Manual of Style has been prepared with an eye toward how we find, create, and cite information that readers are as likely to access from their pockets as from a bookshelf. It offers updated guidelines on electronic workflows and publication formats, tools for PDF annotation and citation management, web accessibility standards, and effective use of metadata, abstracts, and keywords. It recognizes the needs of those who are self-publishing or following open access or Creative Commons publishing models. The citation chapters reflect the ever-expanding universe of electronic sources--including social media posts and comments, private messages, and app content--and also offer updated guidelines on such issues as DOIs, time stamps, and e-book locators. Other improvements are independent of technological change. The chapter on grammar and usage includes an expanded glossary of problematic words and phrases and a new section on syntax as well as updated guidance on gender-neutral pronouns and bias-free language. Key sections on punctuation and basic citation style have been reorganized and clarified. To facilitate navigation, headings and paragraph titles have been revised and clarified throughout. And the bibliography has been updated and expanded to include the latest and best resources available. This edition continues to reflect expert insights gathered from Chicago's own staff and from an advisory board of publishing experts from across the profession. It also includes suggestions inspired by emails, calls, and even tweets from readers. No matter how much the means of communication change, The Chicago Manual of Style remains the ultimate resource for those who care about getting the details right.
Location: Music Library Reference Z253 .U69 2017Publication Date: 2017
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by
A little more than seventy-five years ago, Kate L. Turabian drafted a set of guidelines to help students understand how to write, cite, and formally submit research writing. Seven editions and more than nine million copies later, the name Turabian has become synonymous with best practices in research writing and style. Her Manual for Writers continues to be the gold standard for generations of college and graduate students in virtually all academic disciplines. Now in its eighth edition, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations has been fully revised to meet the needs of today's writers and researchers. The Manual retains its familiar three-part structure, beginning with an overview of the steps in the research and writing process, including formulating questions, reading critically, building arguments, and revising drafts. Part II provides an overview of citation practices with detailed information on the two main scholarly citation styles (notes-bibliography and author-date), an array of source types with contemporary examples, and detailed guidance on citing online resources. The final section treats all matters of editorial style, with advice on punctuation, capitalization, spelling, abbreviations, table formatting, and the use of quotations. Style and citation recommendations have been revised throughout to reflect the sixteenth edition of The Chicago Manual of Style. With an appendix on paper format and submission that has been vetted by dissertation officials from across the country and a bibliography with the most up-to-date listing of critical resources available, A Manual for Writers remains the essential resource for students and their teachers.
Location: Pardee Reference X LB2369 .T8 2013Publication Date: 2013
American Psychological Association (APA) Style Manuals
APA Sample Citations: Note- initially no indent and then following lines indented.
Print Source:
Book (Print):
Gratton, L. (2014). The Key: How Corporations Succeed by Solving the World’s Toughest Problems. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Electronic Databases (BU Databases)
Bloomberg (Electronic Database):
Bloomberg L.P. (2014). Historical Price Line Chart for Apple, Inc. 11/1/03 to 11/1/04. Retrieved October 17, 2014 from Bloomberg L.P.
MarketLine Company Profile via Business Source Complete:
MarketLine Report. (2014, September 19). Company Profile: Apple Inc. Retrieved October 17, 2014 from Business Source Complete database.
Mergent Online (SEC/EDGAR filing in BU database):
Apple, Inc. (2013, September 28). Form 10-K. Retrieved October 17, 2014 from Mergent Online database.
Mintel Reports (Electronic Database):
Mintel. (2014, October). Mobile Apps – US – October 2014. Retrieved October 17, 2014 from Mintel Reports database.
SRDS online (Electronic Database)
SRDS Media Solutions. (n.d.). U.S. News & World Report Profile. Retrieved October 17, 2014 from SRDS Media Solutions database.
University Reporter (Electronic Database):
University Reporter. (2014, Spring). 2014 Spring Reporter Apparel/Accessories. Retrieved February 23, 2016 from University Reporter database.
Articles from a BU Database:
ABI/Inform Global
Overman, S. (2014). The Culture of Conscience. Leadership Excellence, 31 (10), 49-51.
Online Sources:
Annual Report Available Online:
Apple Inc.(2013). Apple, Inc. Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2013. Retrieved from http://investor.apple.com/financials.cfm.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association by
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition is the official source for APA Style. With millions of copies sold worldwide in multiple languages, it is the style manual of choice for writers, researchers, editors, students, and educators in the social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, nursing, communications, education, business, engineering, and other fields. Known for its authoritative, easy-to-use reference and citation system, the Publication Manual also offers guidance on choosing the headings, tables, figures, language, and tone that will result in powerful, concise, and elegant scholarly communication. It guides users through the scholarly writing process-from the ethics of authorship to reporting research through publication. The seventh edition is an indispensable resource for students and professionals to achieve excellence in writing and make an impact with their work. The seventh edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect best practices in scholarly writing and publishing. All formats are in full color, with a new tabbed spiral version Improved ease of navigation, with many additional numbered sections to help users quickly locate answers to their questions Resources for students on writing and formatting annotated bibliographies, response papers, and other paper types as well as guidelines on citing course materials Dedicated chapter for new users of APA Style covering paper elements and format, including sample papers for both professional authors and student writers New chapter on journal article reporting standards that includes updates to reporting standards for quantitative research and the first-ever qualitative and mixed methods reporting standards in APA Style New chapter on bias-free language guidelines for writing about people with respect and inclusivity in areas including age, disability, gender, participation in research, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality More than 100 new reference examples covering periodicals, books, audiovisual media, social media, webpages and websites, and legal resources More than 40 new sample tables and figures Expanded guidance on ethical writing and publishing practices, including how to ensure the appropriate level of citation, avoid plagiarism and self-plagiarism, and navigate the publication process Guidelines that support accessibility for all users, including simplified reference, in-text citation, and heading formats as well as additional font options
Location: Pickering Educational Resources Library Reserve BF76.7 .P83 2020Publication Date: 2019
Modern Language Association (MLA) Style Manuals
- Ask the MLAThe FAQ’s answer recurring questions about the use of this style.
MLA Sample Citations: Note- initially no indent and then following lines indented.
Print Source:
Book (Print):
Gratton, Lynda. The Key: How Corporations Succeed by Solving the World’s Toughest Problems. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2014. Print.
Electronic Databases (BU Databases):
Bloomberg (Electronic Database): Bloomberg L.P.
Bloomberg L.P. “Historical Price Line Chart for Apple, Inc. 11/1/03 to 11/1/04." Bloomberg L.P.,2014. Web. 17 October 2014.
MarketLine Company Profile via Business Source Complete:
MarketLine Report. “Company Profile: Apple Inc.” Business Source Complete database, 19 September 2014. Web. 17 October 2014.
Mergent Online (SEC/EDGAR filing in BU database):
Apple, Inc. “Form 10-K," Mergent Online database. 28 September 2013. Web. 17 October 2014.
Mintel (Electronic Database):
Mintel. “Mobile Apps – US ." Mintel database, October 2014. Web. 17 October 2014.
SRDS Online (Electronic Database):
SRDS Media Solutions. “U.S. News & World Report Profile." SRDS Media Solutions,n.d. Web. 17 October 2014.
University Reporter (Electronic Database):
University Reporter. 2014 Spring Reporter Apparel/Accessories. Web. February 23, 2016.
Article from a BU database
ABI/Inform Global
Overman, Steven. “The Culture of Conscience." Leadership Excellence 31.10 (2014): 49-51. ABI-Inform Complete. Web. 17 October 2014.
Online Sources
Annual Report Available Online:
Apple Inc. Apple, Inc. Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2013. Apple Inc., 28 September 2013. Web. 17 October 2014.
MLA Handbook by
Relied on by generations of writers, the MLA Handbook is published by the Modern Language Association and is the only official, authorized book on MLA style. The new, ninth edition builds on the MLA's unique approach to documenting sources using a template of core elements--facts, common to most sources, like author, title, and publication date--that allows writers to cite any type of work, from books, e-books, and journal articles in databases to song lyrics, online images, social media posts, dissertations, and more. With this focus on source evaluation as the cornerstone of citation, MLA style promotes the skills of information and digital literacy so crucial today. The many new and updated chapters make this edition the comprehensive, go-to resource for writers of research papers, and anyone citing sources, from business writers, technical writers, and freelance writers and editors to student writers and the teachers and librarians working with them. Intended for a variety of classroom contexts--middle school, high school, and college courses in composition, communication, literature, language arts, film, media studies, digital humanities, and related fields--the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook offers *New chapters on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, numbers, italics, abbreviations, and principles of inclusive language *Guidelines on setting up research papers in MLA format with updated advice on headings, lists, and title pages for group project *Revised, comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for creating a list of works cited in MLA format that are easier to learn and use than ever before *A new appendix with hundreds of example works-cited-list entries by publication format, including websites, YouTube videos, interviews, and more *Detailed examples of how to find publication information for a variety of sources *Newly revised explanations of in-text citations, including comprehensive advice on how to cite multiple authors of a single work *Detailed guidance on footnotes and endnotes *Instructions on quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and avoiding plagiarism *A sample essay in MLA format *Annotated bibliography examples *Numbered sections throughout for quick navigation *Advanced tips for professional writers and scholars
Location: Mugar Stacks LB2369 .M52 2021Publication Date: 2021
Selected Web Guides
- Citing Your SourcesThis Boston University research guide offers links to information about citing sources.
- Citing Sources Within Your Paper (Duke University)Duke University is responsible for this well-organized site about citing in the body of your text.
- Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL)The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University provides examples of APA, MLA and Chicago Style citations as well as formatting instructions from the style manuals.
Reference & Instruction Librarian
dmoylan@bu.edu
Room 318F
Pardee Library