Writing a Paper? Save time with citation generators!

Gone are the days of typing references into a specified format such as MLA, APA, Chicago or CSE. This procedure once sapped hours of precious time—usually in the final frenetic hours of the semester. Today, we have citation generators and computer programs that format your references automatically. You can simply copy and paste properly formatted citations into your papers and voila!

Here are three ways to do it:

1. Word Processor Citation Generators

Word-processing programs such as Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010 (see the References tab) have options for formatting your bibliography in MLA, APA, or Chicago style if you’ve already typed them or copied them from different sources. Although this isn’t the fastest or most elegant option, it beats the old method of formatting each reference by hand.

Maybe you say, "Wait! I type and save my papers in the cloud." If that’s the case, word processors such as Google Docs provide the free EasyBib add-on.

2. Library Database Citation Generators

SLCC’s library databases (e.g., EBSCO and ProQuest) provide the option to email your search results already in MLA, APA, or Chicago style citation format. (To access these, you must first save your search results to a temporary folder within the database).

3. Online Citation Generators

Online citation generators allow you to cite and properly format publications found on the Internet. They help you cite all that great stuff you find in your web searches. Most of these generators are free. Check out the following website for a useful list.

If you use the tools above you will save hours of time! If you need any help, feel free to contact the SLCC Markosian Library - Reference Desk at 801-957-4610.