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Manuals of Style and Formatting Guides

A list of guides and links to online style manuals for various subject areas.

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Arts & Humanities

The Chicago Manual of Style  presents two basic documentation systems: (1) notes and bibliography and (2) author-date. Choosing between the two often depends on subject matter and the nature of sources cited, as each system is favored by different groups of scholars.

The notes and bibliography style is preferred by many in the humanities, including those in literature, history, and the arts. This style presents bibliographic information in notes and, often, a bibliography. It accommodates a variety of sources, including esoteric ones less appropriate to the author-date system.

Library books:

  • Chicago Manual of Style, 16th ed.  2North Ref Z 253 .C57 2010 
  • Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian), 8th ed.  2North Ref LB 2369 .T8 2013 
  • MLA handbook for writers of research papers, 7th ed.  1st floor, User Services  LB 2369 .G53 2009 
  • MLA style manual and guide to scholarly publishing, 3rd ed.  2North Ref PN 147 .G444 2008  
  • AP Associated Press stylebook and briefing on media law 2North Ref PN 4783 .A83 2005

Government & Law

These books and links will help you format government and legal citations.  Most other styles will defer to these examples and make reference to the following titles:

  • Bluebook: a Uniform System of Citation   2North Ref KF 245 U55 2005
  • Complete Guide to Citing Government Information Resources: a Manual for Writers and Librarians
    2North Ref Z 7164 G7 G37 1993

Health & Natural Sciences

The Council of Science Editors - CSE - is the primary authority for biology and other natural sciences formatting style. Scientific Style and Format is the most recognized, authoritative reference for authors, editors, publishers, students, and translators in all areas of science and related fields.

  • Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors and Publishers, 8th ed.  2North Ref T 11 S386 2014
  • AMA Manual of Style: A Guide for Authors and Editors, 10th ed. 2North Ref  R 119 .A533 2007  

Mathematics, Technology, & Physical Sciences

The American Chemical Society is the format and style authority for chemistry. However, each journal may ask for papers to have a different format.

Engineering societies often use the Chicago style but check each association for variations.

The American Mathematics Association has a style for their publications.  However check information for authors within the target journal of your interest.

  • ACS Style Guide: Effective Communication of Scientific Information  2North Ref QD 8.5 .A25 2006
  • Manual for authors of mathematical papers 2North Ref and 3North QA 42 .M36 1990

Social Sciences & Education

Many fields of study in the social sciences use the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide.

Library books

  • Style guide / American Sociological Association  2North Ref HM 569 .A54 2007
  • APA Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. 1st floor, User Services and 2North Ref BF 76.7 P83 2010
Last Updated: Sep 6, 2023 10:31 AM