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Chicago Manual of Style - How to Cite Your Sources

Need help with Chicago???

The Regis Library offers individualized and group help with learning and using different citation styles. 

We can teach you how to set up your paper, how to cite your sources within your paper, and how to format your reference list.

We can work with you

  • in person (drop by the library or make an appointment)
  • by phone
  • by email
  • over Zoom

Let us know if you need help!

What is CMS format?

It is important to note that there are a few different systems of CMS. The author-date system uses in-text citations with a bibliography at the end. The notes-bibliography system uses footnotes or endnotes with a bibliography and no in-text citations. The third system is Turabian, which includes both author-date and notes-bibliography systems as well as making adjustments to the style guidelines to make CMS more applicable to students.

As with other editorial styles, CMS consists of rules or guidelines that a publisher observes to ensure clear and consistent presentation of written material. It concerns uniform use of such elements as

  • selection of headings, tone, and length;
  • punctuation and abbreviations;
  • presentation of numbers and statistics;
  • construction of tables and figures,
  • citation of references; and
  • many other elements that are a part of a manuscript.

CMS style rules and guidelines are found in the seventeenth edition of The Chicago Manual of Style.

Turabian style rules are found in the ninth edition of A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 

 

Overview

Learning how to cite properly is important.  Good citations help the reader locate the sources you used. This guide provides basic CMS information and points you to more in-depth information on other websites.  CMS format is complex and takes time to learn.  You can figure it out with the assistance of the Chicago Manual of Style and online guides.  Librarians and writing tutors are also available to help.  Keep in mind that your professor has the final say on format, so always check with your professor as well.

When conducting your research, you will need to track the following information from the sources you used:

Who When What Where
Author Date of publication Title of book, article, website, journal, magazine, etc. Source of content/publication information

Citation Guide Portal

Choose any of these links for more in-depth information on creating citations.  Purdue OWL is a Best Bet!