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Syracuse University Libraries

CRS Communication: sources and APA citation (Spring 2025): Home

About this guide

The resources on this guide are split into three categories:

  • Finding Background Information
    The resources in this box can point you to reference materials and other contextualizing sources to get you up to speed on your topic: understanding background and timelines, learning who key players and communities are, and understanding multiple sides of the issue.
  • Finding Research Resources
    Research sources in this box focus on scholarly work--research appearing in peer-reviewed scholarly journals--which documents the research that has been undertaken on your topic. This might include medical/biological research, qualitative research in affected communities, or experimental research in a variety of disciplines.
  • Finding Information on Current Events
    These sources will point you to contemporary news stories about the issues, events, and places you might be studying, providing you with information about how they are currently playing out in the world.
  • APA resources from the Purdue OWL
    Tools for ensuring that you properly cite and format the sources you use.

Finding Background Information

You can also browse the Reference Section on the 2nd Floor of Bird Library (near the staircase from the first floor) for a wide variety of reference books.

Finding Research Sources

This is only a small selection of very focused databases that cut across many contemporary issues of study. To locate additional databases, check out the SU Libraries' Databases Menu or consult a librarian.

Finding Information On Current Events

  • Wikipedia
    Wikipedia is not a good source for finding scholarly sources, but it can be one of few places for detailed background information on events, technologies, and phenomena that have not yet been covered elsewhere or that have unfolded primarily in online communities. Additionally, it can point you to other external sources where you can learn more.

APA resources at the Purdue OWL

The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a fantastic resource for quickly finding information on the APA citation style. Take a look at the links below to revisit some of what we covered in the class session. 

Video:

 

The APA Style

Developed by the American Psychological Association for its own publications, this style has become the standard for works in the social and behavioral sciences.

From the APA website: