Here are some questions and steps to get you started:
Which citation style are you using?
Most Clark classes use MLA or APA styles, but you also might use ACS for Chemistry, Chicago for History, or something else. If you're not sure, check your assignment instructions, your course syllabus, or ask your instructor.
Find a citation guide
Check out citing sources guides created by Clark Librarians:
Print copies of our citing sources guides are available for free at the Ask A Librarian desk. Citation guides like Purdue OWL are fine, too.
If you use citation generators or suggestion citations from databases, cross-check the generated citations with a guide – generators make mistakes!
In-text or full citation?
Your in-text citation will be a short reference to the citation that comes at the end of your paper.
Our citing sources guides include examples of both.
What kind of source are you citing?
Are you citing a physical book, an online newspaper article, or a peer-reviewed journal article with a DOI? Your citation will look differently depending on the type of source it is.
Our guides are organized by source type. Scan through the guide until you find the sub-section that most closely matches your source type.
Struggling? Ask A Librarian for help!
You don't have to cite alone! Clark librarians are here to help. In addition to the 24/7 chat, you can:
- Visit the Ask a Librarian Desk at Cannell Library during open hours.
- Call a Clark College librarian: 360-992-2375.
- Email a Clark College librarian who will respond as soon as possible.
