"Well-cited scholars are based on search algorithms, not their research." Jennifer Sadler, Cite Black Authors
There are many barriers to equitably citing BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women scholars- not because there is a lack of work, but because their work is harder to find. Bias in publishing practices, search algorithm results, and citation habits are all barriers to more equitable knowledge sharing.
When conducting research we are often asked to look to the important and well-cited authors in the field, but this can lead to an unconscious bias in the materials we choose to cite. Scholars of color are under-cited compared to their white peers and are less likely to serve on the editorial boards of journals that select the research for publication. Without citation equity, the ideas that we consider important to our field and collective knowledge will only be representative of those scholars whose wealth, race, and gender have always privileged their work.
As researchers, we must be proactive in finding sources and research produced by scholars who are traditionally underrepresented and under-cited.
Use the resources linked below to find more diverse scholars and experts to include in your research:
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. (2010) is the authority used by writers in the social sciences and some natural sciences.
Unofficial: CSUF APA Citation Style (PDF) provides a two-page overview of some of the most common citation needs for both the in-text parenthetical documentation and the reference list
Official: APA Frequently Asked Questions and APA Style Help provide a few official examples and additional support from the APA. For the most comprehensive coverage of APA style, including citation rules, please remember to consult the print APA publication manual. Copies are kept at the Reference Desk for in-library use.
Also Available Online: OWL (Online Writing Lab) at Purdue University(go to website). Purdue University's OWL is an excellent resource to use to look up any citation style, including APA.
The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 8th ed. (2016), is the authority used by writers in many disciplines in the humanities. Copies are kept at the Reference Desk for in-library use.
Unofficial: CSUF MLA Citation Style (PDF) provides a two-page overview of some of the most common citation needs for both the in-text parenthetical documentation and the reference list.
Official: Frequently Asked Questions about MLA Style. The print MLA Handbook is the only authoritative source of citation rules. Copies are kept at the Reference Desk for in-library use.
Also Available Online:
OWL (Online Writing Lab) at Purdue University. Purdue University's OWL is an excellent source to use for any citation style, inlcuding MLA.
7th edition: For those still using the 7th edition of the MLA manual, please use this handout.