This document provides an overview of using the Mohawk College Library and proper APA citation style. It discusses finding information in the library versus online, the steps in the research process, comparing library databases to Google searches, and what types of sources are available for different kinds of information needs. The document then explains the APA citation style, including how to format in-text citations and reference list entries for different source types such as books, journal articles, and websites. Examples of proper APA citations are provided.

1. Mohawk College Library
and APA
Your Librarian:
Cynthia Williamson

2. Today
• Thinking about how to find information
• What’s in the library?
• Library vs. Internet
• APA info, tips and some practice

3. Steps in the
Information Search Process
1. General,
introductory
info first
2. More specific
info from
articles, etc. next
3. More details,
stats, double
checking, etc.
Your assignment
comes out here

4. Library Vs. Google
Library Google
• Great place to find info. • Great place to find info.
• Brainstorm and plan before you • Brainstorm and plan before you
search search
• Fewer Resources • Millions AND millions of websites
• Spelling counts (sometimes you’ll • Google helps with spelling
get suggestions/help) • One search for everything
• Know what kind of info you need: • Lots of results
stats? History? Definition? • Refine search results
Research? Case studies? • Time spent after searching
• Search in more than 1 place determining relevance and
• Refine search results credibility of sources found
• Fewer but more relevant & credible
search results

5. What I Need to Know What is the Source? Where is the Source?
Introductory Information:
Definitions Encylopedias, books Print books (search the library
Introduction or overview catalogue)
History or Background Ebooks (search the library’s collections)
Biography
Specifics:
Current perspective
Trends Library databases (use your Libguide to
Magazine and Journal Articles
Recent research or developments find the right one)
Scholarly or academic information
What’s going on right now?
Library Databases (use your Libguide to
What went on at a certain time? Newspaper Articles
find the right one)
Public Opinion
Library Databases (use your Libguide to
Directories, Annual Reports, Websites,
Company Information find the right one)
etc.
The Web
The Web (use your Libguide for help
Statistics Government & NGOs, Directories, etc. finding the appropriate websites and
resources)
Government Information Government Documents, reports etc. Government Websites
Organizations & Associations (information, attitudes,
Company Documentation, reports, etc. Company Websites
etc.)

6. Library
• Most libraries have books, journals,
magazines and newspapers
• Most libraries have both print and “e” format
• Many libraries have videos and DVDs (some
have online videos too)
• Most libraries create subject guides to help
their users find what they need

7. Let’s Look at Databases
• Check the All Databases List
• Or look for the Best Bet databases on a Library
Guide
• Some to try:
• Masterfile Elite
• Mas Ultra
• Academic One File
• Academic Search Premier

8. APA
• APA provides a standardized way to format your
paper
• APA provides a standardized and consistent
way to acknowledge (cite) your information
sources

9. Citing using APA style is
a two step process:
• “In-text” citation in the body of your paper (when you
quote or paraphrase)
MATCHES
• a complete citation in the References list at the end of
your paper

10. The “matching” citation in the
References list looks like this:
Jones, K. & Barker, K. (1996). Human
movement explained. Oxford:
Butterworth-Heinemann.

11. An “in-text” citation in
APA format looks like this:
(Jones & Barker, p. 37)

12. Ingredients of a citation for your
References List
Title Author Date Publishing Info
(Whether you’re photocopying, taking notes or
cutting and pasting, make sure you
ALWAYS get these 4 things!!)

13. Putting the Ingredients
Together
Author, A. (Year of Publication). Title of the
book. Place of publishing: Name of Publisher.
Moffat, K. (2005). A poetics of social work.
Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press.

14. Do you see a pattern?
Gadalla, T. (2007). Cancer patients’ use of social work services in Canada.
Health and Social Work, 32(3), 189-196. Retrieved from Academic Search
Premier database.
Heinon, T. & Spearman, L. (2006). Social work practice: problem solving and beyond.
Toronto, ON: Thomson & Nelson.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. (2007). Family violence prevention program for
First Nations. Retrieved from http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/fvp_e.html
Moffat, K. (2005). A poetics of social work. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto
Press.

15. Practice
• Let’s look at a book
• Let’s put this in proper APA format:
Sustainable transportation : problems and
solutions / William R. Black. New York :
Guilford Press. 2010.

16. Practice
• Let’s look at an online journal article
• Let’s put this in proper APA format:
Grayson, J. (2008). The Experiences and Outcomes of Domestic
and International Students at Four Canadian Universities. Higher
Education Research And Development, 27(3), 215-230.
Retrieved from ERIC.

17. Practice
• Article on a website
• Let’s fix this one:
2011. Vezina, Mireille. Being a Parent in a stepfamily: A Profile.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-650-x/89-650-x2012002-
eng.pdf

18. Quick Reference
Book in Print
Author, A. (Year). Title. Place of publication: Publisher.
Digital Book
Author, B. (Year). Title. Available from http://www.websiteaddress.com
Print Journal Article
Author, C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal. Volume(issue), page range.
Digital Journal Article
Author, D., & Author, E. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(issue), page range.
Retrieved from name of database.
Website
Author, F. G., & Author, H. I. (Date of publication). Title of document. Retrieved from
http://Web address

19. Questions??
Need More Help??
Try the library’s APA Help guide.