Forest and Rangeland Stewardship (FRS)
Use (Cite) Information: Table of Contents
Citation Styles
What style should I use?
Many citation styles exist - guides for a few common ones are listed here. If you are unsure which style to use, consult your professor.
Online Style Guides
Basic rules for citing in various styles.
- CSE Style Quick GuideFor Council of Science Editors (CSE) style.
- Purdue Online Writing LabFor APA, Chicago, MLA, AMA and other styles.
Official Style Guides
Complete rules for in-depth help.
Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers8th edition
In print at Morgan Library.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association7th edition
In print at Morgan Library.
MLA Handbook8th edition
In print at Morgan Library.
Chicago Manual of Style17th edition
Available online to CSU students, faculty, staff and affiliates.
Additional Citation Styles
- Style Guides at CSU LibrariesGuides for citing sources in other styles.
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.
- KnightCiteWorks with MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles. From the Hekman Library at Calvin College.
- Citation BuilderWorks 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 BasicUse the free web version or purchase the software. CSU Libraries offers classes and support.
- ZoteroA free, browser-based tool.
- MendeleyAlso free, aimed toward the sciences, and has social media components.
- Compare the ToolsA comprehensive comparison of various citation management tools from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Writing Help
- CSU Writing CenterThe 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.
Ask a Librarian
Ask Us About:
- Finding articles, books, & more
- Using library resources
- Citing your sources
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