Rev. 8/21/2012

A Word or Two About APA Citation

You are responsible for learning and using the APA style guidelines for formatting your paper and citing your resources. There are many resources available to assist you with APA, so be proactive and seek the help that best fits your needs.

Think about APA style requirements and gather citation information while you research instead of trying to figure everything out at the end of your writing process. A large amount of student stress arises from having to “reinvent the wheel” and find citation information after the fact (not to mention that it takes a lot of time). I recommend that you do one or more of the following:

1.) Familiarize yourself with the examples and helpful links found on the COD Library Citing Sources page:

  • This page has an excellent link to annotated bibliography assistance in the Green section of the Web page
  • Annotated bibliographies should be double-spaced
  • Content of annotations varies dependent upon assignment and instructor preference. APA does not specify the content of an annotation so be sure to check with your instructor about what should be included.
  • The formatting of annotations can vary. Some guides suggest that annotations should be block indented five spaces, other guides recommend indenting five spaces plus two (for a total of seven spaces). NoodleBib annotations use the seven space block indent format. Check with your instructor for preferred formatting.
  • Print the handouts in the green section for APA style tips, help with citing electronic resources, and citing CareNotes and MicroMedex information

2.) Sign up for a free APA workshop sponsored by the Library for hands-on practice and assistance (located under research skills section):

3.) Get a writing handbook or an APA style guide like these examples (remember that there are many more resources available in the COD Library or online):

Little Brown Handbook

Ready Reference, General: PE1112 .L58 2010

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6TH ed.)

General & Reference: BF76.7 .P83 2010

The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)

4.) Make an appointment with the COD Writing Assistance Area. For hours, locations and times go to:

5.) Utilize the FREE citation program, NoodleBib (linked from the COD Library Citing Sources page).