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

Answered By: APUS Librarians

Last Updated: Feb 25, 2025 Views: 6023

Most databases offer a "cite" feature that will quickly generate a rough draft 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 errors 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!

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.