Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a registered User?
Please visit our registration page.
Do I have to register to use KnightCite?
Knightcite is available for use by anyone without registration. Registration adds additional features such as the ability to save citations and export them to word.
Do I have to be a Calvin Student to use KnightCite?
No, everyone, including Calvin students, can use KnightCite!
Do I need an account prior to using Knightcite?
No account is needed, KnightCite is a public service of the Hekman Library of Calvin College.
How can I save my citations? How do I print them out?
If you are not a registered user, it is recommended that you provide your own archive - such as a word document – and use it for printing.
How do I record multiple authors?
Above the fields to input the name of the Author is a drop down box that allows the selection of additional authors.
Can other libraries link KnightCite for their students to use?
KnightCite is a public web service and we hope that you find it valuable in compiling citations for your research. Feel free to link to us and encourage other students to use it.
Is there a format for citing images?
Currently MLA and APA are the only styles that have a specified method of citing an Image.
Using the left menu, click on Multimedia -> Art as the resource.
Why are my APA citations from KnightCite not capitalized?
The APA manual of style calls for titles to be capitalized in a very particular way. Only the first word of the title, first word of the subtitle (after the colon), any proper nouns, and acronyms should be capitalized. Because of programming restraints, there's no way for KnightCite to consistently distinguish what is intended as a proper or common noun, so your title casing was left as is. Please take note of this rule and apply it to the citation after copying it into your reference list.
What should I do when I forget my password?
If you previously had an account but have forgotten your username and password, we can reset your password and send your login
credentials to you via e-mail.
How do I cite an author without a full name such as Plato??
An author with one name such as Plato or Euripides can be cited by placing their name in the Last Name field under author. The same goes for editors and other name fields.
Why doesn't KnightCite match my teacher's/professor's formatting of MLA/APA/Chicago?
KnightCite was designed with the primary focus of undergrads as being the primary user base. Because of this we are following MLA's recommendation to not change over to their most recent updates yet. (Watch for these updates sometime next year!) We also try to follow the most recent recommendations of APA and Chicago, which may vary from what your professor or teacher follows. In summary, although KnightCite is based off the most common/expected citations for each style, you should always follow the requirements and expections set by your instructor.
What version of APA/MLA/Chicago does Knightcite use?
Knightcite is currently based off of the Fifth Edition (2001) of APA, Sixth Edition (2003) of MLA, and Sixth Edition (1996) of Chicago.
What is full text at Hekman?
Hekman library has the full text at Hekman link which appears under some of the citations. The full text at Hekman link is used for periodicals to tell if there is a copy of it at the Hekman Library that is accessible. To find the item just click this image link 
and you will be brought to the article.
Who developed KnightCite? Where can I find some background information?
KnightCite was created in 2004 by Calvin student Justin Searls at the Teaching and Learning Digital Studio. For an introduction, see this press release.
KnightCite went through an update by Matt Gort in 2008 along with the addition of new features that weren't included in the original version.
What information do I need to cite a specific resource?
For every resource there is the header stating the citation type and what kind of resource followed by (Click for Help). Click on (Click for Help) to get more information on what is required to cite the source.
Questions about citations and styles?
Try the fantastic resources available at DianaHacker.com
