Citing Internet Resources

Citing internet resources can be a complex endeavor. There are several different accepted styles or formats to choose from including three of the major ones: Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA) and Chicago.

Students need to be taught that different format exists and how to properly cite resources.

After reviewing the recommended sites listed below, I decided that the best resource for students to use to format a bibliography would be Skillman & Kirby Libraries, Lafayette College, Easton, PA. I found that they gave a brief description of the components necessary for a citation. Plus, they provided all three major styles concisely. The other resources, while they may be helpful, proved to be long or complex.

At my school we use a modified MLA style. We provide each student with a bibliography format paper showing them how to cite from a variety of resources and we are consistent through out our school. However, when students go to high school and later college, they will find that departments adhere to different styles. I think it is a good idea to make students aware of the different styles and the Lafayette page shows them the all three styles.

The following are examples of different online sources sited using MLA style.

Web Site Professional:

Salwen, Peter. The Quotable Mark Twain. 20 May 1996.

http://salwen.com/mtquotes.html>.

U.S. Government Document:

United States. Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook: 2003.

January 2003. <http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/af.html>.

Web Site Professional:

Nascar.com. 9 October 2003. 2003 Winston cup Series Drivers. 10 October

2003. <http://www.nascar.com/driver/list/wc/dps>.

Online Article from an Online Journal

McKenzie, Jamie. “Building Good New Ideas.” From Now On: The Educational

Technology Journal. June 2001. 9 October 2003.

<http://fno.org/jun01/building.html>.