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How to Write a Reference

The Easiest Way to Write a Reference or Citation

Learn to use RefWorks, which will take a reference from PubMed or other databases and automatically put in the citation style of your choice. It takes some time to learn, but there's a tutorial, and you'll never struggle with a citation again.

Most Commonly Used Style Sheets at USP

Which one should you choose? Check with your instructor.

Scientists, humanities scholars, and social scientists all use a different set of rules. These rules are called "style sheets."

Scholars in the humanities use either Turabian or MLA. Scientists and social scientists use different ones. See the examples below of one single authored article in a continuously-paged paper journal written in 6 different styles.

American Chemical Society (ACS)
More examples: electronic and paper sources.

Dumpty, H. Can falls be prevented? J. Ovoid Stud. 1998, 55, 8-13.

American Medical Association (AMA)
The AMA Manual of Style Online is now available. In addition, the 10th Edition of the AMA Style Guide is on Reserve at the Library's Circulation Desk.

Dumpty HT. Can falls be prevented? J Ovoid Stud. 1998; 55:8-13.

American Psychological Association (APA): for Social Scientists and OT's
The Sixth Edition of the APA Publication Manual is now available on Reserve at the Library. In addition, the accompanying website (www.apastyle.org) has a useful Frequently Asked Questions section.
More examples: electronic and paper sources.

Dumpty, H.T. (1998). Can falls be prevented? Journal of Ovoid Studies, 55 (5), 8-13.

Citing Medicine (National Library of Medicine (NLM))
More examples: electronic and paper sources.

Dumpty HT. Can falls be prevented? J Ovoid Stud. 1998 Jan;55(1):8-13.

Council of Biology Editors (CBE)
More examples: electronic and paper sources.

Dumpty HT. 1998. Can falls be prevented? J Ovoid Studies. 55:8-13.

Modern Language Association (MLA): for Humanities and Business
More examples: electronic and paper sources.

Dumpty, Hum T. "Can Falls Be Prevented?" Journal of Ovoid Studies 55.1 (1998): 8-13.

Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals (Vancouver)
Use Citing Medicine

Dumpty HT. Can falls be prevented? J Ovoid Stud. 1998 Jan;55(1):8-13.

Style Manuals for ACS, AMA, APA, CBE, and MLA are available in the Library and APA and MLA in the Writing Center. You may also ask for help at the Library's Reference Desk, the Writing Center, or Ask A Librarian online. Make sure you tell us what style sheet you're supposed to use (check with your instructor).

Looking for the style a particular journal uses? Check here for links to the "directions for authors" from 3500 journals.

Page last updated: 9/17/09