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Step-by-Step: Accessing Library Materials: Cite your Sources

CIte Your Sources - Primo

Step 1: Know Your Course Required Citation Style

  • Check your assignment to see which citation style is required (MLA or APA).

Step 2: Generate a Citation

  • Generate a citation from the Primo search results page -or- the selected resource's record by clicking on the quotation symbol ( " ).
    • A citation function is available in most eBooks, indicated by a quotation mark ( " ) or the word "Cite".
    • Information to build a citation can also be found on the first page of most online journal articles.
    • This information is also found within the first few pages of a print book.

From the Primo search results page

book from Primo search results list with an added arrow indicating the quotation mark symbol used to generate a citation

From the resource record in Primo

book record from Primo with an added arrow indicating the quotation mark symbol used to generate a citation


Step 3:  Copy the Citation

  • Most citation menus will let you select a style for your citation. Be sure to pick the one required by your instructor!
  • Select the style from the Primo citation popup menu, then click "Copy Citation to Clipboard" and paste it into your notes about the article.
  • When pasting copied citations from the Primo or any digital platform, there will be errors. Be sure to double check formatting and capitalization on copied/pasted citations so you don't lose points on your assignment! 

NOTE: Generic online citation generators can also include content errors, so be particularly diligent if you use them.

"Copy to Clipboard" in Primo's citation popup

Item record with an open "citation" popup menu, with an added green arrow indicating text that reads "copy to clipboard"

More Citation Help

You can visit the Writing Center for help with any writing task that is part of any Cincinnati State course!!

MLA Format

APA Format

Citation Management Apps

  • Zotero is a free, open-source research tool that helps you collect, organize, and analyze research and to export that information as APA or MLA formatted bibliographies.
  • Mendeley is a free research tool used to manage and share research papers and to generate bibliographies for scholarly articles.
  • Citation generators - Be careful when using online citation generators as they are prone to errors. Use the manual option to get the best results and always check the citations for accuracy before submitting your assignment.  Visit the Writing Center for help!