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JAPN 123 (Kiyochi): Citing your Sources: Library

Citing Your Sources

MLA Citation Guide (9th Edition)

MLA Formatting Rules

  • Author Names: Last Name, First Name (e.g., Smith, Jane).
  • Title Formatting: Use Title Case (Capitalize Major Words).
  • Italics vs. Quotes: Italicize book and journal titles; use quotation marks for webpages and articles.
  • URLs: Include the full link but remove "https://".
  • In-Text Citations: (Author Last Name Page Number) → (Smith 45).
  • Works Cited Page: Double-space, indent second line of each entry.
  • Sample MLA Annotated Bibliography

More details: Citing AI in MLA

APA Citation Guide (7th Edition)

APA Formatting Rules

  • Author Names: Last Name, First Initial. (e.g., Smith, J.).
  • Title Formatting: Use Sentence Case (Capitalize First Word & Proper Nouns).
  • Italics: Italicize book and journal titles
  • DOIs & URLs: Always include them. No "Retrieved from" needed.
  • In-Text Citations: (Author, Year) → (Smith, 2023). For quotes: (Smith, 2023, p. 45).
  • Reference Page: Double-space, indent second line of each entry.
  • Sample APA Annotated Bibliography

More details: Citing AI in APA

MLA Style Guide
APA Style Guide

MLA: Citing Market Research Reports

Basic Format: Author/Company. "Title of Report (Report No. if available)," Month Year, URL.

IBISWorld. "Video Streaming Services in the US (OD6197)," Sept 2025, my-ibisworld-com.prox.miracosta.edu/us/en/industry-specialized/od6197/at-a-glance.

APA: Citing Market Research Reports

Basic Format: Author/Company. (Year). Title of report (Report No. if available). URL

IBISWorld. (2025). Video Streaming Services in the US (OD6197). https://my-ibisworld-com.prox.miracosta.edu/us/en/industry-specialized/od6197/at-a-glance

Common Database Citation Errors

  • Don't blindly trust auto-generated database citations as they often have errors in formatting, punctuation, and capitalization.
  • Verify page numbers, as database citations often do not include accurate page numbers. Double-check the page numbers in the article.
  • Fix title capitalization as databases often show titles in ALL CAPS. Convert to the correct case for your citation style.
  • Remove database names, such as "EBSCOhost" from your citation.

Quick Citation Checklist

MLA Format

  • ✓ Author names: Last, First Middle
  • ✓ Article title in title case and in quotes
  • ✓ Journal title italicized and in title case
  • ✓ Include volume, issue, year, and page numbers
  • ✓ DOI or permalink included

APA Format

  • ✓ Author names: Last, F. M.
  • ✓ Publication date in (parenthesis)
  • ✓ Article title in sentence case
  • ✓ Journal title italicized and in title case
  • ✓ Include volume, issue, and page numbers
  • ✓ DOI included (not database URL)

Ethical AI Use

Using AI ethically means using AI tools responsibly and with consideration of the issues, especially in your academic work.

AI tools can support your research when used ethically and transparently.

  • Purpose: Use AI to enhance learning, not replace critical thinking
  • Transparency: Always disclose when and how you used AI assistance
  • Best practices: Check your instructor's AI policy before using any tools

If you use AI in your research papers, you do need to cite your source.