How can I get help with Referencing?

Referencing can be hard but there is no need to struggle on your own. The Library is here to support you and there are a variety of ways you can get help when you are feeling confused or getting stuck. 

Referencing@Portsmouth 

We have extensive guidance on how to reference available on Referencing@Portsmouth. It contains all the basics on how to format your reference list and citations and includes lots of examples for different source types. It is a great place to start. 

Chat to us online

Our online chat service is available 24/7 and is particularly good if you have a quick referencing question that you can't find the answer to on Referencing@Portsmouth. 

You can also email your referencing questions to library@port.ac.uk

Library Skills Drop-In sessions (In-Person)

If you would prefer face-to-face help with your referencing, then we run Library Skills drop-in sessions every weekday during term time between 11am and 3pm. Drop-in for help with referencing, accessing resources and developing your search skills. 

If you aren't able to visit the library during these times but would like to meet with a librarian in person, please use our book a librarian form.

APA 7 Referencing appointments (Online)

We can look at specific referencing examples you are having difficulties with, and answer questions you have about formatting your reference list or in-text citations. We aren't able to write your references for you or proof read your reference list as this forms part of your mark and must be your own work. 

How to cancel your booking 

When you book an appointment you will receive a confirmation email - please retain this email as it contains a link to cancel you're booking if you no longer need it. You can also cancel an appointment by deleting it from your Google Calendar or by emailing library@port.ac.uk

If you can't attended your appointment or no longer need it, please cancel it. We have limited appointments available and by cancelling you free up the appointment for other students to book. 

OSCOLA and Vancouver Referencing  

For these more specialised referencing styles support is offered by your Faculty Librarian. 

If you need help with OSCOLA, please visit the Law Subject Page where you will find information on online workshops and drop-in sessions for OSCOLA and where you can book an appointment with the Law Librarians.

For Vancouver referencing, please check the guidance on Referencing@Portsmouth first, and then email the Science Librarians  if you need additional assistance.

Mendeley, Endnote and Zotero 

If you need help using Mendeley, Endnote or Zotero please visit our Referencing Management Tools page which includes information on setting up an account, quick start guides and help pages. 

If, after looking at these resources, you still need help please use our Book a Librarian form to request help from your Faculty Librarian.