Biology

Tools for Organizing and Citing Your Sources

The following tools can help you to cite information sources. Check the citations generated by these tools for accuracy before you use them.

Online Citation Generators

Choose a citation style, a type of information source, and plug in the bibliographic information (title, author, etc.) that is requested. A complete citation is created from the information that you enter.

KnightCite
Works with MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles. From the Hekman Library at Calvin College.
Citation Builder
Works with MLA, APA, Chicago, and CSE styles. From the North Carolina State University Libraries.

Database Citation Tools

Many databases have tools that will generate citations for materials found in the database. Usually there is an option to either cut and paste the formatted citation or export the information to citation management software.

The tools will be slightly different in each database and will appear in different places. You may need to explore a little bit to find them. Icons from the Gale Virtual Reference Library and Academic Search Premier are shown below.

Citation Managers

Citation management software allows users to organize and store information about sources that are found during literature research. References can then be easily inserted into written works and formatted in many different citation styles. This type of software is especially useful for large research projects. A few popular options are listed below with links for more information.

EndNote / EndNote Basic
Use the free web version or purchase the software. CSU Libraries offers classes and support.
Zotero
A free, browser-based tool.
Mendeley
Also free, aimed toward the sciences, and has social media components.
Compare the Tools
A comprehensive comparison of various citation management tools from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Citation Styles

CSE citation style is often used in the biological sciences, but many other citation styles exist. If you are unsure which style to use, consult your professor.

Online CSE Citation Help

Basic guidelines.

Scientific Style and Format Citation Quick Guide Examples of the most frequently cited source types, from the makers of the official CSE manual.
Citation Guide: Council of Science Editors (Name/Year System) Clearly written guidance on using CSE style, provided by Writing@CSU.

Official CSE Style Manual

For in-depth questions.

Scientific Style and Format by Council of Science Editors
8th Edition
In print at Morgan Library.

Other Citation Styles

Style Guides at CSU Libraries
Guides for citing sources in other styles.

Writing Help

CSU Writing Center
The CSU Writing Center provides help to members of the CSU community during any phase of writing. In person or online services are available, and drop-ins are welcome.