Getting Started
Welcome to Alkek Library's Research Guide for Writing Style Guides. Use the tabs above to navigate to resources on specific citation styles.
- Purdue OWL is a good online resource to help get you started and addresses MLA and APA citation styles.
- Print copies of the APA, MLA, and Turabian style manuals are kept at the Ask Alkek Desk on the 2nd floor for quick reference.
Getting More Help...
- Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC)Get in-person tutoring at the SLAC, located on the 4th floor of Alkek Library. Check the website for hours and availability. SLAC also maintains a handouts page for quick reference.
- Texas State University Writing CenterThe Writing Center is located on the first floor of ASB North. You can get help with all types of writing, including papers, essays, and resumes. The Writing Center offers in-person and online tutoring (check their website for more information). Round Rock patrons can seek assistance from the Round Rock Writing Center.
What style do I need to use?
Typically....
- AMA is used in medicine and related disciplines.
- ASA is used in sociology.
- APA is used in psychology, education, and other social sciences.
- APSA is used in political science and related disciplines.
- Bluebook is used for law and legal citations.
- MLA is used in English, art, literature, and the humanities.
- Turabian/Chicago is used for history, the arts, and many other disciplines.
- IEEE is used in engineering and other related disciplines.
For more information, you can consult the discipline/style guide listing page from Purdue OWL here.
| If you are unsure which citation style to use, ask your professor. |
Citation Management Tools
Consider using a citation manager instead of typing bibliographies and in-line citations by hand. It will save you time.
EndNote is a citation management software available to the campus community via the Library website that lets you:
- export citation information from databases
- import information from other sources
- organize and generate works cited pages and bibliographies in a variety of styles
- create in-line (or parenthetical) citations in your paper.
The Library offers EndNote workshops throughout the semester.
Database Citation Generators
Some databases have a built in citation generator that you can access from the text or citation of an article. Be sure to double check using your style manual or SLAC handout.
Need Help?
- Ask Us!Use the Ask Us! service for questions about library resources, research assignments or other information. We offer chat and text, or you can email your question.
- Request Research AssistanceYou may also make an online or face-to-face appointment with a librarian or specialist. Learn more about individual research consultations.