A citation generator is a tool that helps you automatically create a citation for your source. Most tools generate a citation for your reference list; some tools also help create in-text citations. Citation generators are great! They save you time, ensure consistency, and reduce the risk of human error.
However, the citations they create are not always 100% correct, so you should always check for accuracy.
Use citation generators to supplement your own skills and knowledge: learn the basic principles of citation and always double-check generated citations against the official style guide you are using. You are responsible for the accuracy of any citations that you include in your work.
Ensure you select the style guide and edition specified by your instructor (e.g., APA Style 7th, MLA, etc.).
Check for:
Order of key information: author name, date, title, publisher / organization, volume, issue, page number(s), DOI / URL
Formatting including capitalization, punctuation and spacing
Remember that most citation generators only create reference list entries, not in-text citations.
Consult your instructor for their expectations regarding citations.
Library & Learning Commons staff are available to support you using citation generators.
There are many free tools available online. NSCC does not endorse specific citation generators.
Look for an icon that looks like quotation marks.
Citation generators are built into NSCC library resources including the catalogue and various databases.
Locate the source that you want to cite
Click the citation icon
Select the style that your instructor would like you to use (e.g., APA)
Copy and paste the citation into your document
Note: this tool does not generate the hyperlink for electronic sources such as eBooks and digital journal articles. To get the URL or DOI for your citation, click on the 'Available Online' link in the source record, then click a link under 'View Online'.
