Kirkwood Library: Citation Guides: Citation Managers

Microsoft Word References

Microsoft Word offers the ability to create citations using the options under the "References" tab. There are online guides and tutorials that show how to use this option. Here are two to get you started:

Office Help: Create a Bibliography
Step by step directions

Google Docs Citations Tool

Google Docs has a citation function within the Tools menu. The two videos below describe how to use this tool to track and cite sources within your Google Doc. Similar to the Microsoft Word References tool, it is not a standalone citation generator, but embedded within a Google document.

Google Docs Help: Add Citations and Bibliography
Step by step directions on using the citations tool within Google Docs to create citations, insert in-text citations, and create a bibliography. Works for MLA or APA Style.

Web-based citation managers

EasyBib
EasyBib is a very popular citation manager. It is free to use for MLA style. Be sure to follow on-screen directions and start by choosing the closest match for the type of material you want to cite (article, book, online book, etc.) Although popular, this citation generator is not even close to perfect. It often makes mistakes, especially for websites and online articles.
Citation Machine
The same instructions as given for EasyBib also apply here. Start by selecting the type of materials you are citing and follow the on-screen directions. The same caution also applies: don't trust the citation this utility gives to you, but check it carefully against your citation guide and make any needed adjustments. Free for MLA, APA, Chicago, and Turabian styles.

Comprehensive Programs

Each of these services varies, but each offers a synced online and desktop service, features that help organize large numbers of citations, and stores versions of web pages and articles for later reference. They are much more robust than the web-based services listed above.

Mendeley
A free reference manager and "academic social network". Also served as a PDF organizer to better keep track of articles used.
Zotero
A flexible and easy to use program for organizing multiple research projects. Syncs seamlessly and allows for notes, tagging, and folder organization. (The favorite of this librarian!)