Most library databases have a handy tool where you can retrieve the citations for articles and resources. Some databases, particularly those designed for Health Science fields have the option to select AMA style.
Look for a button that says Cite or Citation or an icon that looks like one of these options below:
These tools give you the option to copy and paste from the database into your paper, but remember that these aren't always 100% correct, so it pays to double check!
Although most library databases provide citations that you can copy and paste into your assignment, these citations are not always 100% correct (and AMA is not always an available option). As the author of your own work, you must correct any errors that appear in the database citations, and correct any formatting that gets lost when you paste it into your assignment. This guide is a tool you can use to compare the database citations to make sure they are correct.
1. Database Errors - Incorrect Capitalization
Some AMA citations in databases may be incorrect. The author name should be in normal case with the last name appearing first and then their initial(s) ---- Doe J
Only capitalize the first letter of the first word in the title of the book or article, unless a word is a proper noun, (such as Wisconsin).The remaining letters in all words should be in lowercase. Don't use "quotation marks" around the title either. --- This that or the other thing: reflections on the state of Wisconsin.
2. Pasting Errors
Gray Background - When pasting from some databases, you may notice the gray background is pasted along with the text of the citation. This occurs when you use the left Paste Option in Microsoft Word or the command keys CTRL-V (or CMD-V, if a Mac) to paste. To avoid this, use the middle or far right Paste Options. On a Mac, hover over the citation, and a little clipboard will appear. Choose "Paste Text Only." You can also remove the background in your word processor by finding the "Highlight" button and selecting "No Color" (or similar).
Missing Italics - Often when pasting a citation into a Word or Google document, the italics will revert to regular type. Go into your pasted citation and add the italics back in. The abbreviated title of the source (name of a book, newspaper, magazine or journal) must be in italics.
