We usually use a formal citation style because someone tells us we "have to".  These styles are taught and required as part of the academic research process. The practical reason for creating formal citations is so that we can find important resources again later.  Formal citation style forces you to be more thorough. If all I save about a resource is the website address (URL) will I remember what the page was about? What if a key web page is moved? How can I find it again?  A formal citation gives me the author's name and the publisher. Having this contact information improves my chances of finding the new location for a missing resource. The date information in a citation, can help me decide whether to use the resource again or look for something more current. Also a formal citation provides credibility and saves time when sharing information with other researchers.

What if I need to cite more details than the Citation Wizard provides?

The Citation Wizard will help you create a basic citation for a web page. However, if you are working with something other than a typical web page, you might need more information about citation style.  In that case the Citation Wizard provides links to in depth resources about citation.

Additionally, IMSA provides links to specific examples and additional information for each of the citation styles used by the Citation Wizard. 

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