How to Read & Interpret a Citation
Once you've found a source you think you will be able to use, you'll want to make a note of some of the identifying citation information of the source, also called the bibliographic information, such as the title, author, date and publication.
Often, a library database will include the citation information for you to copy and paste into your references list or bibliography. Always double-check to make sure the citation is correct.
You will use this information to cite your source in a bibliography, works cited, or reference page at the end of your paper. The format of the citation and the information needed will depend on which citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc) you use.
Interpreting citation information can also help you track down sources that are cited in other academic papers. But what does the citation actually tell you about the source and how to find it? Let's break it down using a sample:
MLA Citation:
(Hovering over each part of the citation will reveal what it is.)
Fauria, Renee, and Luana Zellner. "College Students Speak Success."
Journal of Adult Development 22 .2 (2015) : 90-99.
Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 July 2016
Each of the components of the citation are identifiable and distinct:
Author(s): Fauria, Renee, and Luana Zellner.
Title of the Article: "College Students Speak Success."
Publication Name: Journal of Adult Development
Volume: 22
Issue: 2
Pages: 90-99
How it was accessed:
Database accessed: Academic Search Premier.
Format of Access: Web.
Date Accessed: 27 July 2016
Citations styles will look slightly different for each type of source, whether it's a journal article, a newspaper article, a book, a book chapter, online or in print, among other factors.
Grossmont College Library has a Citation Guide Links to an external site. to help you format your citations.
We also recommend using the Purdue OWL website Links to an external site., which has excellent information on citing and formatting your paper. Simply choose "APA" or "MLA" or your required citation style.