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APA Citation

This guide covers the basics of APA citation.

Why Use a Citation Management Program?

Citation management programs, like EndNote and Zotero, make research a whole lot easier.  How?  Here are a couple of reasons:

  1. They allow you to collect all of the citations and (when available) the full text of all the articles you need for your research in one easy to search place.
  2. They "talk" to Microsoft Word, which allows you to drop citations into your text.  Click a button and they will format your paper for you.

Programs like EndNote aren't perfect.  You still have to check to make sure things are properly formatted, but they can save a great deal of time.

EndNote

EndNote Logo

EndNote is a citation management program that you load onto your computer.  There is an online component to it called EndNote Web, but you can only use it after you have loaded the regular EndNote program on your computer and created an account.

How to Get EndNote

EndNote is available to all UVM faculty, students, and staff.  Here's how to download it:

  1. Go to the UVM Software Download Archive page.
  2. Enter your UVM NetID and password.
  3. Click on the link that matches your operating system (e.g. Mac OSX/Windows/Linux).
  4. Scroll down to the EndNote section.
  5. Click the green Download EndNote Now button and follow instructions.

If you run into a validation error or have other questions about downloading UVM software, please see the AppsAnywhere help page.

How to Use EndNote

EndNote has a lot of capabilities so it can seem a little overwhelming when you first start using it.  Here are some resources for you to check for help:

You can also make an appointment with a Reference Librarian for an individual consultation. 

Zotero

Zotero Logo

Zotero is another citation management program that can either be installed on your computer or, if you're a Firefox user, plugged directly into Firefox.  You can also easily share citations using a Zotero group.

How to Get Zotero

Anyone can use Zotero.  Please follow these instructions to install it:

  • Go to the Zotero homepage.
  • Click the red Download button.
  • Select the version of Zotero you want to use.  If you want to use the Firefox browser plug in, click the red download button in the first box.  If you want to run Zotero as a stand alone program that isn't bundled into Firefox, click the red download button in the second box.
  • Click on the download to launch the installation process and follow on screen instructions.

If you need extra help, please review these installation instructions from Zotero.

How to Use Zotero

Zotero is designed to be easy to use, but you may still have some questions, especially if you are using it for the first time.  These resources will help:

  • Video Tutorials - These videos show how to preform basic functions in Zotero.
  • Quick Start Guide - This guide provides very quick explanations on how to perform all basic Zotero functions.
  • Zotero Support Page - All of the functions in Zotero are covered on this page.

You can also make an appointment with a Reference Librarian for an individual consultation.