You’ve probably heard that dozens of times from various teachers and professors. But what does it mean? What’s the difference between MLA style and APA style? How do you know if you’re doing it right?

Don’t panic: we’ve all been there. Last night, I just finished writing the longest essay of my life for a grad school class. (Trust me, I’m not exaggerating.) And now, it’s time for me to cite my sources. What does that mean? When I cite my sources, I’m telling readers where I got the information I used in my essay. You always cite your sources if you’re using someone else’s quotes, or even their ideas. But sometimes, that process can be a little confusing. That’s why I’m going to share some of my favorite citation websites with you. They’re life-savers when it comes to academic papers.

1. Need help understanding MLA or APA? These websites tell you everything:

Here’s my favorite citation website: Purdue University’s OWL. They have specific pages devoted to both MLA format and APA format. (If you’re not sure what your professor wants, check the syllabus or ask them.) OWL tells you everything you need to know: how wide your margins should be, how to do an in-text citation, and how to format your Works Cited or Reference List. They even have PowerPoint presentations and sample papers you can look at. Check them out below:

• OWL MLA
• OWL APA

Here’s another option: The SPC Library has their own version of OWL. The SPC Library Citation Assistance gives you sample papers, power-points on APA and MLA, and helpful videos. Check out the following link if you’re looking for a little extra information:

• SPC’S Library Citation Assistance

2. Need help writing your works cited or reference list? This website does the hard work for you:

Now, here’s a shortcut. At the end of your essay, you’re going to need to write a Works Cited or Reference List—something that lists every book, article, video, or interview you used for your paper. The website Knight Cite will help you make each citation: you just fill in the information, and it does the hard work for you.

• Knight Cite

3. Are you feeling confused? Ask a Librarian for help:

If you’re feeling confused, just ask a librarian! You can call the Allstate Library at 727-341-4486, email us at Young.Emily@spcollege.edu, or drop by for a visit. Our hours are Monday-Thursday, 12-7pm. I’ll be happy to help answer your question(s).

And if I’m not around, you can always contact a librarian through the online resource Ask a Librarian, which lets you text, email, or chat with a Florida librarian. They’re available most evenings until midnight, which is great when you’re pulling one of those all-night writing sessions. Just send them a chat message if you feel stuck.

• Ask a Librarian

4. Remember this website for all your writing and researching needs:

Finally, one of the best websites I’ve ever used is the SPC Research Workshop. It gives you all the helpful links I’ve just shown you, plus much, much more.

• SPC Research Workshop

Good luck writing that essay, and remember, your librarians are always here for you!

Contributor: Emily Young, Library Services Paraprofessional, St. Petersburg College – Allstate Center Library