This page provides help with the citation styles most commonly used at Langara College. If you are not sure which style to use for your assignment, consult your instructor.

Remember, no matter what style you use, a proper citation includes two components:

  1. In-Text References: used to identify the source of your information within the text of the paper. The titles indicated in your in-text references must be fully documented on your References, Works Cited, Footnotes, or Endnotes. 
  2. References, Works Cited or Bibliography page: a list of all the works you have consulted, including sources accessed from the Internet.

New! Get a link to our style guides on your mobile device. Text one of the codes below to 604.330.5391.

  • APA
  • MLA
  • Chicago

Questions? Ask a Librarian or visit the Writing Centre. You can also learn more from our slide presentation, Citation Bootcamp.

APA Style American Psychological Association, 2020, 7th ed.

APA style is primarily used in the Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, etc.). It is also the required style for Langara Nursing students.

Langara has transitioned to APA 7th edition as of September, 2020.
  • Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed. (2020)
    The official print guide to the APA citation style. Print copies are available at Langara Library.
  • OWL (Purdue) - APA Formatting and Style Guide
    Guidelines on documenting sources with the APA citation style, for both 7th ed. and 6th ed. Provides examples of in-text references, reference list, and a sample paper documented in APA style.

 

MLA Style Modern Languages Association, 2021, 9th ed.

MLA style is mostly used in the humanities, in disciplines such as English and Art History.

  • MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 
    The official guide to the MLA citation style. Print copies are available at Langara Library.
Chicago Style University of Chicago, 2017, 17th ed.

Chicago style is mostly used by the Langara School of Management and the History, Latin American Studies, and Political Science departments.

Consult your instructor about whether to provide Footnotes or Endnotes.

  • Chicago Manual of Style Online
    Provides searchable online access to the 17th (2017) and 16th (2010) editions of the standard style manual. Also includes Citation Quick Guide, and Chicago Style Q&A (editors' answers to questions submitted by readers, updated monthly). 
    Print copies are available at Langara Library.

 

Annotated Bibliographies and Abstracts

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources that you have consulted in your research and includes additional descriptive comments, such as a summary or evaluation of the source. 

An abstract is a brief summary (100-250 words) that presents an overview of your report.

Additional Resources
  • Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
    Information on conducting research and evaluating resources, examples of documenting your sources in APA, MLA and Chicago styles, and examples of writing in different disciplines.
  • Harvard Writing Guides
    Free, online guides to writing papers in different academic disciplines, including: psychology, art history, social anthropology, east asian studies, life sciences, philosophy, religious studies, economics, history, history and literature, sociology, government, social studies, and women's studies.
  • Reading, Writing and Researching for History: a guide for college students (pdf)
    Comprehensive guide from Bowdoin College.