Cite Sources

The library DOES NOT subscribe to citation managers, which are software tools that can help you save, organize, and cite sources you find when searching in library databases. Here are some recommended options, however they may or may not require a paid subscription.

  • RefWorks -A commercial reference management software from ProQuest that allows users to save full text documents and organize their references and create citations. RefWorks offers a 30-day free trial subscription.
  • EndNote – A commercial reference management software that allows users to organize their citation. In addition, the software permits users to annotate and PDFs available in their library.
  • Mendeley – A PDF manager and academic social network. Mendeley works best when you download the software application to your computer and use it to organize PDF files you already have saved. It is less effective at importing citations from databases.
  • Zotero – A reference management tool allowing users to collect, organize, and cite papers included in their research. It offers up to 300 MB of free storage, after which a paid subscription is required.
 

Copying Citations from Library Databases

The library’s databases automatically generate citations for materials that you find there, which you can copy and paste. Here are instructions for some of our most commonly-used resources. Always check automatically-generated citations for accuracy!

  1. Academic Search Complete (EBSCO)
  1. After searching in an EBSCO database, click the title of any result you want to cite.
  2. In the next screen, look for the list of Tools down the right-hand side. The Cite option appears toward the bottom.
  3. Click the Cite option to open a list of citations for the item in different citation styles. Scroll through the list until you find your citation style, and copy and paste the citation. |
    1. ProQuest
  4. After searching in a ProQuest database, click the checkbox next to any result you want to cite.
  5. Click the “quotation marks” button at the top of your list of results to open the Cite pop-up window.
  6. Select your citation style from the drop-down list to generate the appropriate citation, and copy and paste the citation.
 

Citation Guides

If you need more information on citing in a particular style, here are some in-depth guides available online.

  • Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) – Detailed guides to citing in APA, MLA, Chicago, and AMA styles, with examples, exercises, FAQs, and instructional materials.
  • EasyBib – a site with a free citation generator as well as citation guides.
  • APA Academic Writer – Official resource on APA style. Includes style guides, tutorials, research guides, and templates. NOTICE: Database will not work on Internet Explorer or Edge.
  • ASA – Official resource on ASA style. Includes style guides, tutorials, research guides, and templates.
  • Trinity University Coates Library APA Style Citations – A guide with examples on how to cite different sources based on the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association 7th

Trinity University Coates Library MLA Style Citations – A guide with examples on how to cite different sources based on the Modern Language Association Manual 8th edition.