You can access these from on or off campus. In some ways it acts like a code book to demystify and explain the mechanics of paper writing. These guides explain how to write citations for a bibliography, the proper way to use footnotes, how to cite quotations, and dozens of other topics. Many will even answer questions about grammar and syntax. Turabian's Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 6th Edition , The Chicago Manual of Style, 14th Edition , and The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4th Edition , are three main ones to choose from.
Some style manuals are available on-line, usually in abridged formats.
For an easy exercise, take a quick look at samples from the following guide. This is the surest way to get a poor grade. Give yourself enough time to gather your sources. Other students may have the exact book or journal you need. Avoid these 11th-hour mishaps.