Study Notes on Citing Sources and Database Navigation

Introduction to Citation in Research Papers

  • Importance of citing sources in research papers or any academic papers.

  • Citations required for:

    • Works Cited in MLA (Modern Language Association)

    • References page in APA (American Psychological Association).

Library Access and Database Navigation

  • Accessing databases through the university’s library:

    • Begin by going to Atlas (the university's portal).

    • Navigate to 'My Atlas' or 'Your Courses' link.

    • Locate and search the library from there.

Search Page Overview

  • Upon accessing the library:

    • A search page appears featuring the following sections:

    • Databases A-Z

    • Databases by Subject

  • For demonstration, "Academic Search Complete" will be used.

Conducting a Search

  • Using Academic Search Complete:

    • Search input is available via search boxes.

    • Example search term: "Hamlet" (provides numerous results).

Accessing Articles

  • After a search:

    • Results will display; click on the desired article to access full text.

    • Example article: "Brief Let Me Be, Telescope Action Characters in Q1 and Q2 Hamlet."

Utilizing the Citation Feature

  • Citation functionality in Academic Search Complete:

    • Located on the right-hand side of the article page under the "cite" function.

    • Clicking "cite" will display various citation formats available.

  • Major citation formats displayed:

    • APA citation (American Psychological Association)

    • MLA citation (Modern Language Association)

  • Citation use:

    • Copying and pasting these citations directly into your Works Cited or References page, based on the citation style.

Exporting Citations

  • Capability to export citations to bibliographic management software:

    • Users can easily export to programs like EasyBib.

    • Ease of use for creating MLA citations using EasyBib.

Overview of Other Databases

  • Citation features are consistent across various databases:

    • Example: Academic OneFile.

  • Searching in Academic OneFile:

    • Reiterate the search term: "Hamlet."

  • Selecting articles:

    • Quick site function display, showing citation options:

    • MLA

    • APA

    • Chicago style

  • Users can select citation style and either copy/paste or export the citation, similar to Academic Search Complete.

Conclusion

  • The site function serves as essential support for assembling the Works Cited page for MLA formatted papers or the References page for APA formatted papers, thereby simplifying the citation process for students and researchers alike.