Citing Generative AI in Your Academic Work

Using Generative AI (GenAI) in your academic work requires careful consideration to ensure ethical use, accuracy, and proper acknowledgment. Follow these three steps when incorporating GenAI into your assignments:

  • Ensure Ethical Use: Verify that using GenAI aligns with academic integrity guidelines (see AI and Academic Integrity)
  • Fact-Check Content: Double-check the accuracy and reliability of any AI-generated content you plan to use.
  • Cite Appropriately: Properly cite or acknowledge the AI tool in your work based on the required citation style. 

Permanent Links to AI References

Currently, most citation guidelines suggest treating generative AI sources similarly to personal communications, such as emails or interviews. This is because generative AI interactions are generally nonrecoverable—they cannot typically be accessed or evaluated by others after the fact. 

However, as generative AI technologies advance and the ability to share or retrieve conversations becomes more standardized, citation practices may also evolve. It’s important to verify the most current guidelines for your chosen citation style before referencing generative AI in your work.

How to Cite Generative AI

General guidelines for citing AI tools in common citation styles. Always check with your instructor or a style guide to ensure compliance.

MLA Style

As of December 2024, MLA advises against listing AI tools as authors. Instead:

  • Use the Title of Container to identify the AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT).
  • Use the Publisher element to name the company that created the tool (e.g., OpenAI).
  • Additional resource to cite MLA

APA Style

In APA style, the company behind the AI tool is treated as the author, and the tool itself as the title.

  • Follow guidelines for citing software, as outlined in Section 10.10 of the APA Publication Manual (2020).
  • Include in-text citations and references to provide proper credit.
  • Additional Resource to Cite APA

Chicago Style

Chicago style allows citing the AI tool as the author. For example:

  • List the AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT) as the author.
  • Include the generation date as the publication date.
  • Name the organization (e.g., OpenAI) as the publisher or sponsor.
  • Additional Resource to Cite Chicago Style

Other Citation Options

If your content doesn’t fit neatly into standard citation styles or is for publication, check the specific style guide for your resource. Additional guidance can be found here:

Copyright and Generative AI

The U.S. Copyright Office is currently evaluating copyright issues related to AI, including: 

  • The copyrightability of works created using AI tools.
  • The use of copyrighted materials in AI training.

For more details, visit the U.S. Copyright Office AI Guidance, which includes updates on registration, policy discussions, and training webinars.

Acknowledgment

This guidance aligns with policies at other universities, including Arizona State University, Brown University, and Purdue University.

Special thanks to Cassie Mallette, Program Manager for the AI Learning Lab and Senior Instructional Designer at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, for taking the time to meet with our team and openly share resources and her lived experience with her role at UNO. Your contributions to this project and partnership are greatly appreciated.