How can I use a library database to generate a citation?

Answered By: Priscilla Coulter

Last Updated: Apr 01, 2024 Views: 5281

Most databases offer a "cite" feature that will quickly generate a rough citation for you. Instructions for a few of our most popular search options follow.

IMPORTANT: Always double-check auto-generated citations against the examples in the appropriate style guide. While database auto-cite features are a good time-saving tool, errors are common (capitalization, punctuation, date, etc.). You'll need to fix those error by hand!

Primo: Click the item you would like to cite, then look for the citation option. Choose your citation style, then copy the citation and paste it into your document. See a short video here!

Note: using the citation information from an individual database resource may include the proxy in the URL, please be sure to check this link Which URL do I need to include in my citation? for some tips!

EBSCO: Click the article (or book) title in the database. This will take you to the source's "record" in the database. On the left side of the record screen, click "Cite." A list of citations will pop up in the center of the screen (scroll down to find the style that you need). Highlight the citation, then copy/paste it where needed.

ProQuest: Click the article (or book) title in the database. This will take you to the source's "record" in the database. On the left side of the record screen, click "Cite." A list of citations will pop up in the center of the screen (use the "Citation style" drop-down menu to change the style (to MLA, Chicago, etc.), if needed). Highlight the citation, then copy/paste it where needed.

Note: ProQuest database links may have dashes in the URL which can cause an issue when accessing the link later. To fix this, just change the dashes to periods.