Appendix E: Bibliography (includes OER citation guidelines)
Instructions for customization
Utilize the template structure provided to maintain consistency and ensure that the edited citation follows the same format as the others in your bibliography. After making the edits, save and review.
Cite your sources using the style appropriate for your discipline.
- This document provides more information and guidelines for ensuring paper format accessibility according to APA style citation.
- Purdue University provides more information and guidelines for ensuring paper format accessibility according to MLA style citation.
- Purdue University provides more information and guidelines for ensuring paper format accessibility according to Chicago style citation.
Citation guide for open resources
Here’s a simple guide for citing open resources in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, along with easy-to-understand templates. Open resources are materials that are freely available and often have Creative Commons licenses, such as open textbooks, articles, or educational resources. Proper citation ensures that creators are credited for their work.
Key points for citing open resources:
- Include license information: If the open resource has a Creative Commons license, note it at the end of the citation.
- Some open resources may not have a clear author; if not, start the citation with the title of the resource.
- Ensure the URL is linked directly to the resource.
Once you have completed your bibliography, delete this instruction box.
Open resource citation templates and examples
APA Style (7th Edition)
Explanation: In APA style, you need to include the author, date, title, and source (such as the URL). If the resource has a Creative Commons license, you should also mention it in the citation.
Template: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the resource. Publisher. URL. (License information, if applicable).
Example: Smith, J. (2023). Introduction to Sociology. OpenStax. Available at: https://openstax.org/books/introduction-to-sociology. (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License).
MLA Style (9th Edition)
Explanation: MLA style emphasizes the author, title, and the publication details, with the URL included for online resources. When citing an open resource, you should also note the license type.
Template: Author(s). Title of the Resource. Publisher, Year. URL. License information (if applicable).
Example: Smith, John. Introduction to Sociology. OpenStax, 2023. Available at: https://openstax.org/books/introduction-to-sociology. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Chicago Style (17th Edition) – Author-Date
Explanation: Chicago style typically includes the author, year of publication, title, and source, similar to APA but formatted differently. License details are optional but can be added if relevant.
Template: Author, A. Year. Title of the Resource. Publisher. URL. (License information, if applicable).
Example: Smith, John. 2023. Introduction to Sociology. OpenStax. Available at: https://openstax.org/books/introduction-to-sociology. (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License).
