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Research Basics

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Citation Tools

Important note

Automatic citation helpers (e.g. EndNote, Zotero, EasyBib, etc.) must ALL be used carefully.  They are usually not 100% accurate.  If the data about an article or book is input incorrectly (as it often is), the citation generator does not "know" how to fix any errors.  Always check your entries against the manual.

How Citation Managers Work

Most citation managers can automatically import bibliographic data for each of your sources into their program, and the program will usually work together with your word processing program to auto-generate citation within your document.  You can also input citation manually.

Citation Helpers in Databases

Many database provide a button or link to generate a citation of an article in several styles.  Look for a link or button that says "Cite" or "Cite this item."  These operate on the same principles as above: they are auto-generated and often not 100% accurate.  Use them to start your citation, but be sure to check them for accuracy.

Citing Sources

Citation styles are a set of formatting and documentation used for publishing research. Different disciplines use different styles. Be sure to check with your professor about which style to use.

Style refers to:

  • The format and structure of your paper
  • How to cite your sources in the text
  • How to create a list of references at the end of your paper

Follow these steps:

  1. What are the important elements of the source? -- author, title (journal and article if needed), publication date, publication info, electronic retrieval info (such as DOI or homepage of the journal or website, if applicable)
     
  2. What format of source is it? -- electronic vs. print.  (Did you get it from a computer originally?  Even if you printed it off, it's still electronic!)
     
  3. What type of source is it? -- magazine, journal, newspaper, regular book, reference book, video, audio, picture...
     
  4. Using #2 and #3, find the closest-matching example from your recommended citation style. Use your elements from #1, and make your citation match the example.

Still stuck?

Ask us for help!

In addition, know that the citation style guides do not cover every single type of citation. From the APA Manual of Style 6th edition, chapter 7:

Occasionally … you may need to use a reference for a source for which this chapter does not provide specific guidance. In such a case, choose the example that is most like your source and follow that format.

Style Guide Resources

Be sure to check with your professor for the style and citation format they require!