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Loyola University Chicago Libraries

Citation and Writing Guides

Introduction

A style manual is a guide to preparing a research paper in a particular field of study. Scholarly papers frequently cite the work of other researchers in the field, so a standardized format for citing references is an important part of a style manual. It is important that each citation in this list give enough information about the reference in question, so that a reader of the paper can easily find it.

When instructors ask you to write in a particular "style," they usually do not mean writing style. They are referring to the standardized editorial style researchers in your discipline have adopted to present written material in the field. This editorial style consists of rules or guidelines that a researcher observes to ensure clear, consistent presentation of written material. Editorial style concerns uniform use of such elements as:

  • punctuation and abbreviations
  • construction of tables
  • selection of headings
  • citation of references and list of sources and references for the document
  • presentation of statistics
  • as well as many other elements that are a part of every manuscript

Instructors will usually indicate which citation style they would like followed for a given paper or assignment. If your instructor has not specified a particular style, be sure to ask which one to use.

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Computer-based tools can assist in this process. One is an online program called RefWorks (available to LUC students, faculty, and staff).

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Campus Resources

Writing Center
Phone: (773) 508-7708
E-mail: writingctr@luc.edu

Writing Center tutors are available to help you at any point of the writing process—from brainstorming, to organizing, to putting the final touches on a bibliography. Tutors are experienced graduate students in the field of English available to help you become a better writer.

The Writing Center has three convenient locations: in the IC and the Sullivan Center on the Lake Shore Campus, and at the WTC on the 6th floor of 25 E. Pearson.

Though walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended that you make an appointment.

Visit the Writing Center's site for a step-by-step guide to the writing process.