Citation is an important element in research and creating new knowledge: crediting the scholarship that you're building on, and creating a path for your readers to follow your process. The basic principle is to include all information necessary to track down a resource, but different citation styles format that in different ways.
For example, the American Sociological Association uses its own unique citation style. All journals published by ASA adhere to this style. The American Anthropological Association follows the Chicago Manual of Style. If you are not sure which citation style to use, ask your instructor.
Quick Tips for ASA Style is a short handout of sample citations in ASA format. Also see the print ASA Style Guide: Call Number: AC Frost Reference HM569 .A54 2014
Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide online, from the full Chicago Manual of Style; also consult the print Chicago Manual of Style at Call Number: AC Frost Reference Z253 .U69 2017
Need to hone your writing or oral presentation skills? Amherst College's Writing Center Associates are available to meet with you to discuss your specific class assignment, honors thesis, application essay, creative writing project, or speech.
Zotero [zoh-TAIR-oh] is a free tool that collects, manages, and formats citations and bibliographies. You can attach PDFs, notes, and images to your references; arrange your sources into collections for different projects or classes; and tag them for easy searching or to jump-start chunks of your writing. Insert citations to Word or Google Docs as you write, and create a formatted bibliography or works cited page with one click!
Check out our Zotero "step by step" guide to try it out yourself, sign up for a library workshop to get started, or make an appointment with a research librarian for troubleshooting and pro tips—it's especially useful to get started with it early in a big project. Questions? Ask a librarian, at the reference desk or virtually!