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PubMed @ UMSL: Basics

Step-by-step guide to PubMed's basic features.

Citing Results

 A   To retrieve an auto-generated citation, click the Cite link below the result number and checkbox.

 B   In the popup menu, select the desired format (usually APA).

 C   Copy the citation and paste it into your document. Be sure to verify that the formatting is accurate! (There are several errors in the one shown below.)

Screenshot of summary result with expanded cite button clickthrough. The cite button is circled and labeled A. The format menu at the bootm right of the example citation is set to APA, and circled and labeled B. The Copy button at the bottom left of the example citatino is circled and labeled C.

Sharing Results

 D   To share a result's stable link, click the Share link below the result number and checkbox.

 E   In the popup menu, copy the permalink and paste it into your document.

Screenshot of result example with share button clicked. Two sections are labeled D and E. D: The share button on the left side of the result, just under the cite button. E: The permalink, on the extended pop up from the share button.

E-Mailing Results

 F   To e-mail results, click the Email button on the results page, below the search box.

 G   If you haven't selected individual results, the default selection will be "all results on this page." (The default number of results per page is 10, but you can increase that number.) If you have selected individual results by clicking their checkboxes, the number you've selected will appear in the form.

 H   If you want to see abstracts with your emailed citations, select the Abstract format. If you want MeSH or other data, you must first select Abstract.

Screenshot of clickthrough of email button. Three sections are circled and labeled F-H. F: The Email button at the top of the page. Two arrows are pointing down to two email citations forms. G: The selection dropdown menu, selected as All results on this page on the left and Selection (2) on the right. H: The format drop down menu, selected as Summary on the left and Abstract on the right, with an optional checkbox labeled MeSH and other data below the abstract selection.

Saving Temporarily to the Clipboard

PubMed allows you to save citations temporarily using the Clipboard. Items in the Clipboard expire after 8 hours of inactivity.

  I    To save a citation, select it by checking the checkbox to the left of the article record and select Clipboard from the Send To menu. If you wish to save all of your results (500 maximum), do not make any selections first. Once items have been added to the Clipboard, you'll see an confirmation alert.

Screenshot of the Send to drop down menu to the right of the email button from F, circled and labled I. The first choice Clipboard is also circled, with an arrow that points to a pop up notification. Notification text: 2 items added to Clipboard. Go to the Clipboard page [link].


 J   Retrieve your saved results by clicking on the Clipboard link that appears under the search bar. This will open the contents of the clipboard, which expire after eight hours of inactivity.

Screenshot of the clipboard link circled and labeled J. An arrow points down to the clipboard results page.