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Generative AI

A libguide on Generative AI models

Citing by Format

For information on how to cite AI by style see the links below. 

MLA 

As of December 2024 - MLA does not recommend citing AI as an author. Please take a look at the style guide for more details. 

APA

Chicago 

IEEE

The IEEE has no official directives in the citing of AI. The IEEE Author Center recommends consulting the Chicago Manual of Style for guidance for any usage not included in the IEEE Editorial Style Manual. 

You need to cite your sources whenever you do not use an original thought or common knowledge. This includes: 

  • Direct Quotes
    • word-for-word quotes - no matter how short. 
    • Example: A sentence from a book, article, newspaper, or website
  • Paraphrased or Summarized Information
    • Even if you reword someone else's ideas - you need to cite them as a source
    • Example: a summary of an article that you're evaluating 
  • Data & Statistics
    • Numerical information, charts, graphs, or tables that you did not create yourself. 
    • Example: A data table from the CDC 
  • Images, Visuals, & Media
    • Images, videos, audio clips, tables, and diagrams that you did not create.
    • Examples: A video from YouTube or Image from a newspaper
  • Unique Phrases or Terminology
    • Coined terms or phrases that are unique to an author or field of research should be cited. 
    • Example: "Paradigm Shift" was coined by Thomas Kuhn, in his 1962 book “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” 
  • Ideas from Lectures or Personal Communication
    • Information from class lectures, interviews, emails, or conversations that are not publicly accessible.
    • Example: An email from a professor about a lecture topic. 
  • Software, Algorithms, & Code
    • Any code, scripts, or algorithms that are not your own original work.
    • Example: A function from GitHub copied to your own work.
  • Copyright Attribution, Patents, & Trademarks
    • Any image, text, or information held within a copyright, patent, or trademark that is not your own
    • Example: patent owner/ patent number used in your work

There are many basic elements that each citation style has, but depending on the style it may be structured in a different order or include a few unique elements. Below are the basic elements most citation styles include:

  • Core elements
    • Author(s) or Editor(s)
    • Title of the item
    • Title of the source that the item was found in, ie: the journal or book 
    • Publication year
  • Journal articles will often include
    • Volume
    • Issue
    • Page Number
    • DOI or URL
  • Book or Book Chapters often include:
    • Publisher
    • Place of Publication 
    • Page Number(s)
  • Patents
    • Patent Owner(s)
    • Patent Number 
    • Date of Issue
    • Patent Stage - In process or fully granted
  • Copyright
    • Title
    • Author(s)
    • Year of Publication
    • Source of Material 
    • Copyright Status 
    • Indicate whether the material was reprinted ("FROM") or Adapted ("ADAPTED FROM")
  • Trademarks
    • Trademark Name
    • Trademark owner(s)
    • Registration Status 
    • USPTO Registration Number
    • Year Registered

Please note: Ask your professor about citation style requirements BEFORE beginning your assignment. Different professors will require different styles - check first!!

For further information on how to cite using a specific citation style please see the following sources:

When using AI in an assignment remember to check with your professor about acceptable/ appropriate use. Some assignments may not be AI-generated. 

Other key things to keep in mind:

  • Is it Ethical? - Do not use AI for an assignment that could have its integrity compromised by AI use. 
  • Fact check - You are responsible for the content that you generate with AI. Make sure it's correct, relevant, and readable.
  • Acknowledge/ Disclose that you are using AI in the assignment and be sure to cite it correctly!
  • Evaluate the content (similar to fact checking). How trust worthy is the content? Were the sources used good? Does the content make sense? 

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If you have suggestions for how to make this page better, please contact Elizabeth Jerow, Library Director (jerow@msoe.edu).