ENC 1101 - Library Research Assignment : MLA Citation Guides

Why should I use a citation style?

In library orientations, we briefly talk about the importance of using a "citation style" when writing essays or research papers.

It is very important when writing papers to correcly cite any information that you use that is not your own, original information. So, if you take a direct quote from a book or a journal article, or even if you paraphrase the information (put it in your own words), you will need to cite this information. You will need to cite it both in the body of your paper and by creating a works cited list at the end of your paper. Failing to cite your sources is committing plagiarism.

Plagiarism explained by Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL)

 Which citation style should I use?

There are a number of different citation styles used. For an ENC 1101 class you will be using a style called MLA. This citation style not only tells you how to cite your sources for your paper, but it also give you information about the general set up of a research paper - margin size, title page contents, page numbering etc. You are not expected to become experts in all the details of MLA.  Below are links to other resources to assist and guide you in preparing your research essays and papers.  

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