Citations are used to identify and locate publications (book, journal article, video, etc.). They usually include title, author, publisher and date of publication. SMU instructors often require students to cite their sources using one of three styles. To make the process easier, SMU provides its students with the use of RefWorks, an online research management tool that generates citations and bibliographies in a range of styles.
For writing help, contact the Writing Center for tutoring services.
Citation Styles
Distinct citation styles have been developed by professional and scholarly associations including the APA (American Psychological Association), the AMA (American Medical Association), and the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors).
An instructor will commonly ask you to adhere to a specific style when citing sources in a research paper or essay. This can be challenging, as each style contains its own formatting rules for citations, both in the body of the paper (in-text citations) and on the reference page. Your best defense is a good offense—be familiar with the styles most SMU instructors require: APA, AMA, and the ICMJE's URM.
Here are some useful resources on citations:
APA citation style
AMA citation style
Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors ICMJE)
Citing Government Publications
RefWorks
RefWorks is an online research management, writing, and collaboration tool designed to help researchers easily gather, manage, store, and share all types of information, as well as generate citations and bibliographies in APA, AMA, or Uniform style. SMU students, staff members, and faculty members may sign up for a free RefWorks account. Proquest RefWorks is supported by all SMU libraries. Legacy Refworks is no longer supported.
The library has RefWorks software to help you manage your references and create bibliographies in APA, AMA, or any style of your choosing. You can create an account and get training from your librarians.
Create your own RefWorks account
For more information, refer to the RefWorks research guide.
Academic Writer (formerly APA Style Central)
"Academic Writer is APA's authoritative solution offering you a complete digital environment for teaching, learning, and writing academic papers.
LEARN: Use the Learning Center to find video quick guides and tutorials to help you get started and refine your research and writing.
REFERENCE: Use the Reference Center to find tools to assist you with building and managing a reference library.
WRITE: Use the Writing Center to select an APA Style paper template, collaborate with peers and reviewers, and check your work."
Create your own Academic Writer account
Other Free Bibliographic Tools