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Citation guide for music

A guide to citing music resources, with a focus on Chicago-style citation examples for various types of music materials

Citation tools

There are many ways to create your citations without having to remember all the rules and punctuations. Below are some recommended resources.

(1) Sofia Discovery Tool

(2) Citation Software

Various software is available to automatically generate citations.

Sofia discovery tool

In Sofia, there is a built-in "Cite" function which can assist in creating the basic structure for the citation. However, always revise the citation according to the information provided here as Sofia is not 100% accurate. Use with caution.

The built-in citation function in Sofia

EndNote

EndNote is a reference management tool that helps you:

  • organize all your cited sources in one place
  • generate citations and bibliography in different styles
  • share with collaborators and researchers

The University carries a paid subscription of EndNote. McGill students and staff may download EndNote free of charge onto their personal computers at home or at the university.

McGill Library offers EndNotes workshops throughout the year. Please refer to this page for details.

McGill students and staff may download EndNote free of charge onto their personal computers at home or at the university.

Video Tutorials:

For Windows

For Mac

Zotero

Zotero logo

 

 

  1. Go to www.zotero.org

  2. Download Zotero 5.0

  3. Make sure to download the connector for your internet browser.

Organizing Your References

 

  • Use the folders icon to create collections. This will enable you to organize your research by topic, course number, assignment, etc.

  • Make sure that you select a folder before starting your research, this way all the references that you send to Zotero will be sent to the selected folder. No need to sort after doing the research.

 

Transferring References

 

  • Search the library catalogue or an article database. When you find items that interest you, click on the folder icon in the top right corner of the page. Select the items that you want and click on “Ok”.

  • You can also transfer only one item by clicking on it and reaching the page about it. Once you are on the page dedicated to the item, click on the icon in the top right corner. The icon will be shaped like a book if the item is a book, an article if that is what the item is, etc.

  • If there is a PDF available, Zotero will automatically grab it and include it in your library.

There are two ways to create a bibliography from Zotero:

  • If you used all the items in a folder:

    • Select the folder and right click. Then click on “create bibliography from collection”. You will be prompted to pick your citation style. Click on copy. You can now paste your complete bibliography in your document.

  • If you used only some items in a folder:

    • Select the items used by holding the control button (command on a Mac). Then click on “create bibliography from items”. You will be prompted to pick your citation style. Click on copy. You can now paste your bibliography in your document.

Inserting References in Documents

 

The Zotero feature for Word should have been downloaded at the same time as the software.

  1. Click on the Zotero tab in Word.

  2. Click on “Insert/edit citation”

  3. When you insert the first citation, it will ask you to select your style.

  4. A search bar will appear, you can search for the item that you want to cite.

  5. For more citation options, click on classic view in the search bar.

  6. A mini version of your Zotero library will appear. Select the resource you want to cite.

  7. You can also include a page number or range.

 

Creating a Bibliography in Word

 

  • Make sure that you inserted all the citations using the Zotero “insert” option.

  • Click on insert bibliography.

  • Choose your style.

  • Your bibliography is now in your document. Don’t forget to click the refresh button if you add more citations.

Mendeley

Mendeley is a free online reference management tool that helps you:

  • organize all your cited sources in one place (2G storage)
  • generate citations and bibliography in different styles
  • share with collaborators and researchers
Logo of Mendeley

Mendeley can be used both online and on your desktop.

  • Sign in/up online: https://www.mendeley.com
  • To use the desktop version: Download the software here
  • To cite directly in Microsoft Word using Mendeley: Download Mendeley Cite add-in here

Location and contacts

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Music Library Staff
Contact:
Marvin Duchow Music Library
Elizabeth Wirth Music Building
3rd floor - 527 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1E3
514-398-4695
Website
Subjects: Music

Liaison Librarian

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Katie Lai
Contact:
Marvin Duchow Music Library
514-398-4695

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