All stylebooks suggest the same information regarding citing and acknowledging sources; however, the order of that information varies based on how different academic fields prioritize different elements of a source of works cited or list of references. 

The Modern Language Association Handbook (MLA) is designed for teachers of English and other languages. MLA includes (in the text) the author’s name and the page where the original information lives.

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) style is designed to promote information that the social scientist is most interested in— the year when the source information was documented.

The University of Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago) is used in humanities and historical research and favors using footnotes, instead of in-text citation. Footnotes give publication details at the bottom of the page, without clouding the information being presented, analyzed, and compared. Using footnotes instead of inserting parenthetical information allows the reader to focus on the evidence without being distracted by the publication information about that evidence. Include only the footnote number in the text, and put the author and page number at the bottom of the page.

Associated Press (AP) style is designed for journalistic writing, including newspapers and magazines. AP style directs writers to cite resources in the text, in the same way they cite a quotation from a source in the story (i.e., “A is the first letter,” said Joan Murry, the Maplewood County librarian.).

These source styles are the three main ones used in citing information used in all types of documents. Most other custom style guides are patterned from one of these, along with specific additions and required usage connected to the particular audience.

So, as you gather information for your writing, decide on the genre, audience, and purpose based on one of these styles. Create your own style sheet modified with any special usage rules as necessary to appeal to your audience; and refer to your style sheet as you write. This makes things easier for both you and your editor to put your best word forward and increase the integrity of your hard work.

Speaking of integrity, it is crucial to acknowledge the work of others who have done the research and shared their life experiences that helped you produce your own work.

Official Sites
mla.org
apastyle/org
chicagomanualofstyle.org/index.html

For more help in putting your best word forward, contact me and check out my website at editsbymarks.com. #amediting #references #citations #amwriting