LibGuides: Referencing Software in Health: Quick Reference Generators

Quick Reference Generators

Quick referencing tools allow you to quickly generate a reference. These tools are free, and there are a variety of options available depending on how you prefer to work. They are significantly easier to learn than full reference managers, but most of them do not provide an option to store or organise references.

Beware of any quick referencing tools not listed on this page. Although all generated references need to be proofread for accuracy, some other free tools will make significant mistakes on all references. Others may be full of invasive adverts.

MyBib

MyBib is a free site which can generate references for most types of source in APA style. You can create an account to save references between browsing sessions, or quickly generate references as a guest. Reference details can either be typed in manually, or you can search for a reference by ISBN, DOI, or web link.

Look out for prompts telling you that a reference is missing information, as you will need to add these details manually. This is common when you have generated a reference automatically from a web link, and MyBib has been unable to identify certain information (e.g. the author of a web page).

MyBib Guide
A guide to MyBib produced by the Library.

ZoteroBib

ZoteroBib is a free site which can generate references for most types of source in APA style. Reference details can either be typed in manually, or you can search for a reference by ISBN, DOI, or web link. Check references generated automatically from links very carefully, as they will frequently be missing information.

ZoteroBib does not have an option to create an account. When you return to the site, you may notice that it has saved references from the last time you visited. This is done via cookies in your browser, and you should not rely on this for storage.

ZoteroBib Guide
A guide to ZoteroBib produced by the Library.

Locate

Locate has a built-in referencing tool. To access it, click on the speech marks icon next to the source you want to reference on the results page. APA 7th will be selected automatically.

Alternatively, if you have already clicked on a title to open up the full details of the source, scroll to the 'Send To' section and click on 'Citation'.

Journal article references generated by Locate will typically be fairly accurate. However, book references will include significant errors, including missing information, so we do not recommend its use for books.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar has a built-in referencing tool. To access it, click on the 'Cite' link underneath the source you want to reference. You will see that APA is one of the referencing styles available.

Journal article references generated by Google Scholar will typically be fairly accurate (although journal titles may not be capitalised correctly). However, book references will include significant errors, including missing information, so we do not recommend its use for books.

Journal Databases

Many journal databases have built-in reference generators. You will find this option in different places on different sites, so look for a speech marks icon, or a link called 'Cite'.

Some databases may not have APA available as one of their referencing styles, but you may be able to find a style which is very close to APA, and then make a few tweaks.

Further Support

Librarians run regular workshops about referencing and reference management software. Book onto a session using the calendar below:

For more information about referencing at Coventry University Group, see the following guide:

APA Referencing Style

For support with using referencing software, book an appointment with your Library Subject Specialists.