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SCI1130: Mechanics Spring 2019

Staying Organized

  • Keep a search log & use a reference manager
  • Many databases have tools to help you keep track of your search, but you need to register for a free account in most cases
  • Search logs & reference managers help you:
    • Keep track of information you find along the way
    • Remind you of where you looked already
    • Give insight into where to look next
    • Ask better questions of your professors, librarians & NINJAS when you need help

Citation Management

Citation Management

For a great comparison of tools, see the MIT LibGuide on citation management.

APA (American Psychological Association)

  • Most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences (psychology, economics)
  • The bibliography, or list of sources you have used for your research, is called the Reference page
  • Uses a brief in-text citation and a full citation on a Reference page (this helps the reader determine which sources you are quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing)

MLA (Modern Language Association)

  • Most commonly used to cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities
  • The bibliography or list of sources you have used for your research is called the Works Cited page
  • Uses a brief in-text citation and a full citation on a Works Cited page (this helps the reader determine which sources you are quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing)

Chicago (University of Chicago Press)

Most commonly used to cite sources in history, but occasionally used in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences

Two formats:

The Notes and Bibliography style is preferred by many in humanities disciplines. Citations are provided in footnotes or endnotes and are usually accompanied by a bibliography.

The Author-Date style (somtimes called "Reference List" style) is recommended for the physical, natural, and social sciences. Sources are cited using an in-text citation and full details are provided in a reference or works cited list.