Web site: ProQuest
Web site: EBSCO
Web site:EndNote
Web site: Reference Manager
Web site: RefWorks
Web site: BibTeX
Web site: Purdue Online Writing Lab
403
Using Documentation Tools
Many tools exist for formatting entries for a works-cited, reference, or bibliography page and for endnotes or footnotes. Bear two things in mind when using these tools:
- Automated tools are not perfect. Often the quality of what is delivered depends upon the information you provide. It pays to be familiar with formats for basic entries. (See pages 397-402.)
- In-text entries are up to you. No documentation tool can decide how to cite sources within your text. Use your best judgment about naming a source in the text or providing a parenthetical note instead.
Documentation Tools and Tips
Provided References Scholarly Web resources often include a “how to cite this” statement, usually at the bottom of the page. Always check that the format matches the citation style you are using.
Research Databases Research databases such as ProQuest and EBSCOhost provide a link to a citation for each resource in their collection. These citations are usually very accurate, and you can choose the format. Ask your librarian about access to these services.
Research Software For scholars who research and write a lot, computer applications such as EndNote, Reference Manager, RefWorks, and BibTeX can build a bibliography automatically as the paper is written. Check with your instructor about the availability of such tools.
Web Forms Many Web sites offer free online forms to help students format bibliography entries. These can help with punctuation, capitalization, and order of elements. Unless you know what is and isn’t needed in a particular citation, however, you may end up with incorrect results. Always check the final citation against a style guide (see below).
Style Guides and References
- Pages 376–389 of this book provide basic guides for the most common types of sources. You’ll find more details online at thoughtfullearning.com/h403.
- We also recommend the Purdue Online Writing Lab (owl.english.purdue.edu), where you’ll find quick links to MLA and APA styles. Use the search box on that site to locate other styles, such as CMS and CSE.
- For further details or specialized examples, check the various style guides themselves. Use each guide’s table of contents and index to most quickly locate the answers you need and to develop a fuller understanding of the style’s rationale.
Check with Your Instructor (or Publisher)
No style manual can cover every possibility, and different instructors (and publishers) may have different citation requirements. Always check with your instructor (or publisher) for specific format instructions before submitting an essay.