Referencing for n00bs

So if you are anything like me, you probably find referencing the absolute worst part of writing assignments. I sit there for hours trying to smash out an assignment because, as usual, I’ve left finishing it off to the last minute, then just when I think I’m done…SURPRISE!!! There is still a whole reference list to go that, for some stupid reason, fails to write itself every time.

So if this sounds like you, keep reading, because I have some wonderful solutions for you.

Believe it or not, there are some awesome phone apps that can reference for you. You just need to download the app, search for your book — or if you’re real lazy, scan its barcode — select the reference style you want and BAM! You have yourself a correctly referenced book!
Some of these apps that I know of include:

  • Easybib (FREE!)
  • Easy ultimate referencing ($2.49)
  • RefME (FREE!)

Another way to make referencing less of a drag is to save your references in Microsoft word (convenient right?). So here’s how to do it:

  1. Click on the references tab up the top
  2. Click insert citation > new source
  3. Select the type of source, chuck in all the details and write in a little tag in the bottom left so you know what the reference is in your future list

Heypresto! Like magic, all the hard work is done for you. Now you just have to put the reference into your actual assignments. That is done like so:

  • In-text reference
    • Click references> insert citation > then just click on the reference you need!
  • Reference list
    • Click references> Manage sources > copy all the references you need into the ‘current list’ box
    • Now click references> bibliography> references. And now a reference list should magically appear where ever your cursor was

So these are just a couple of tricks I use to make life a little bit easier when referencing. If you know of any more then comment below and we will add it in. Hope this makes everyone’s life a little bit easier.

– Damon

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