When you use the words, ideas, or creations of someone else, cite them. To make it easier to keep track of your sources, try a citation tool like Zotero or RefWorks. Not sure how to properly format your citations? Citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago) give you detailed guidelines. The citation style you use will depend on the discipline, journal, or course for which you are writing. See the Library's Citation and Style Guide for more help.
Your professor will probably tell you which citation style to use for your paper or thesis. If not, the following list provides a general guide:
APA: Psychology, Education
ASA: Sociology
CBE/CSE: Biology, Natural Sciences
Chicago/Turabian: History, Art History, Political Science
MLA: English, Humanities
Zotero will automatically generate bibliographies and format your research papers in any of hundreds of styles including MLA, APA, Chicago, and Turabian. Zotero is easy to learn and has exciting features.
If you have questions about setting up or using Zotero, check with a librarian or check the library's Getting Started with Zotero Guide.