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Library Research Overview

This guide covers the basics of getting started with using the library for your research assignments.

Citing Sources

Tips for Using TCC Library Resources

Why cite?

Citing your sources and using in-text citations is crucial in writing an essay for several reasons: 

  • Firstly, it gives credit to the researchers whose work has contributed to your assignment.
  • Secondly, it helps you avoid plagiarism by acknowledging the sources of any quoted or paraphrased material.
  • Lastly, it enables your readers to trace the sources you used, thereby supporting further research.

Adapted from "WHY and HOW do we cite sources?" 2024 by Karlee Genther under license "Creative Commons Attribution" 

Library Resources - APA - In the library

Library Resources - MLA - Online

Library Resources - MLA - In the library

Library Resources - Chicago - Online

Library Resources - Chicago - In the library

Citations from the databases

green check markMost databases have a citation feature that allows you to copy the full citation for your source in your chosen format. This is a great way to get started with your reference list, but citations pulled from databases are not always 100% correct! Remember to check all your citations!

  • Pay attention to details such as names, dates, capitalization, and punctuation.
  • Pay attention to what edition of the citation style is being used.
  • Remember that it is up to you to check over all your citations to make sure they are complete, accurate, and formatted correctly according to the citation style you are using.

Click below to view where to find the citation information in the different library databases:

  • Look to the top of the item for "Citation" 
  • Select the citation format that you want
  • Formats available include MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and APA

CINAHL Complete, Communication and Mass Media Complete from EBSCO, eBook Collection from EBSCOhost

  • Look to the right of the item for an icon that looks like a document. If viewing the PDF, you'll only see the icon. If you are in the detailed record view, you will see "Cite" next to the icon, which will be listed under the "Tools" on the right side of the screen.
  • Scroll down to locate the citation format you want
  • Formats available include ABNT, AMA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, MLA, and Vancouver/ICMJE
  • Look to the top of the item for "Cite"
  • Click on the citation format that you want
  • Formats available include MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard
  • Look to the top of the item for "Cite"
  • Formats available include MLA, Chicago, and APA
  • Look to the top of the item for "Cite"
  • Use the drop-down menu to select the citation format
  • Formats available to choose from include MLA, Chicago, APA, Harvard, and many others
  • Look to the right of the item for "Cite" (or to the top of the item if viewing on a smaller screen size)
  • Use the drop-down menu to select the citation format
  • Formats available include AMA, APA, MLA, and NLM
  • In the item record, look for "Citation" listed in the options under "Send to" (located just below the item information listed at the top of the record)
  • Click on the citation format that you want
  • Formats available include MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard

Additional Resources

TCC Writing Centers

pencil iconThe Writing Centers at TCC are located on every campus and can help you with your citation, formatting, and writing questions. Visit the Writing and Reading Support Canvas page to chat with a tutor, schedule an appointment, and learn more about their services and how they can help.