Using Citations

Using Citations

Once you have identified the best article indexes or databases and searched for your topic, you should have a list of citations. The purpose of a citation in a database or a bibliography is to give the reader enough information to find the item. Use the information in the citation and abstract to find the book, article, or chapter that the citation points to.

Step One: What kind of document is the citation is pointing to?

• A book
• A book chapter
• An article from a newspaper, magazine or journal

It might also be: A conference proceeding, government document, a book review, an ERIC Document, or a Dissertation

Step Two: Does Penn have this online or in print?

• Books
• Book chapters
• Articles in Journals
• Disserations
• A conference proceeding -- ask a librarian for help.
• A government document -- use the U.S. government documents research guide or ask a librarian.
• A book review -- treat as a journal article.
• An ERIC Document -- See About ERIC

Step Three: How do I get that (at Penn or another library)?

• A book that is at another campus library.
• A book that is in the High Density Storage facility.
• A book that is charged to another user.
• A book or journal that Penn doesn't have or is missing.
• A journal article from a journal in High Density Storage.
• A journal article from a journal that Penn doesn't have.
• An ERIC document?