Master the Art of Writing with AMA Manual of Style Online Tutorial

Master the Art of Writing with AMA Manual of Style Online Tutorial

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Accessing the AMA Manual of Style
   • Option 1: Accessing from the library resources page
   • Option 2: Accessing directly from the website
3. Browsing the Table of Contents
4. Using the Search Function
   • Basic search
   • Advanced search
5. Utilizing Bookmarks and Annotations
6. Conclusion

Introduction

In the field of health professions, the proper use of writing and citation styles is essential. One widely used style is the American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style, similar to APA or MLA. This manual provides guidelines and rules for formatting articles and references, as well as grammar and punctuation guidelines. Many faculty members at the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP) recommend using the AMA Manual of Style for academic papers. This tutorial aims to assist IHP students and employees in efficiently accessing and utilizing the AMA Manual of Style for their scholarly work.

Accessing the AMA Manual of Style

There are two ways to access the AMA Manual of Style: through the library resources page or directly from the website. The tutorial provides instructions for both options.

Option 1: Accessing from the library resources page

To access the manual from the library resources page, navigate to the citations and writing link in the navigation menu. You will find the link to the manual at the top of the center box. The username and password are provided on the page. Alternatively, you can visit the website at www.amamanualofstyle.com and log in from the top bar.

Option 2: Accessing directly from the website

By visiting the AMA Manual of Style website directly, you can log in using the provided username and password. Once logged in, you will see "MGH Institute of Health Professions" displayed, indicating that you have access to all the manual's content.

Browsing the Table of Contents

The Table of Contents is an excellent feature for browsing the manual. It consists of five sections, with each section divided into chapters. Whether you are exploring the entire manual or looking for a specific chapter, the Table of Contents provides a comprehensive overview.

To illustrate, let's consider the scenario where you need to format a citation for a list of references. In this case, Section 1, Chapter 3 is the relevant chapter that covers the appropriate style for references. For more specificity, an in-depth Table of Contents for Section 1.3 can be accessed, which further allows you to choose the specific type of resource you need to cite.

The manual's contents are conveniently displayed in the left sidebar, facilitating easy navigation from section to section and chapter to chapter. This feature allows quick access to the appropriate section for various citation formatting needs, such as citing a print book or an electronic reference like Micromedex.

Using the Search Function

If you are uncertain about the specific section or chapter you need, the search function becomes a valuable tool. The tutorial demonstrates both basic and advanced search options.

Basic search

Using keywords, the basic search function helps you find relevant information. For instance, if you are interested in copyright-related guidelines, you can enter "copyright" as the keyword. The search results page provides several options, allowing you to filter and narrow down the results using different criteria like chapters or sections.

Advanced search

For more precise searches, the advanced search option is available. It allows you to input multiple keywords and specify the location of the search. By utilizing this feature with well-defined search terms, your search results can be further refined. The advanced search page presents the same familiar interface as the basic search, with the added option to modify your search strategy.

Utilizing Bookmarks and Annotations

Creating a personal profile and registering an individual account provides additional functionality within the AMA Manual of Style. By bookmarking sections, you can easily revisit them at a later date. To bookmark a page, simply click on the save icon located on the page you want to save.

Furthermore, the manual allows you to make annotations on specific parts of the text. To annotate a section, highlight the desired text and click on the Annotate option. A pop-up box will appear, allowing you to write your comments or notes. All saved searches, content, and annotations can be accessed via the My Work link in the top right corner.

Conclusion

Accessing and utilizing the AMA Manual of Style is an invaluable resource for IHP students and employees. Whether browsing the Table of Contents, using the search function, or making use of bookmarks and annotations, this tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on navigating the manual effectively. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your academic papers adhere to the proper formatting requirements and citation styles set forth by the AMA.

Highlights:

• Comprehensive tutorial for using the AMA Manual of Style
• Access the manual through the library resources page or website
• Browse the Table of Contents for specific chapters or sections
• Utilize the search function for quick and accurate searches
• Create a personal profile to bookmark sections and make annotations

FAQ

Q: Can I access the AMA Manual of Style directly from the library resources page? A: Yes, you can access the manual by clicking on the citations and writing link in the navigation menu on the library resources page.

Q: How can I narrow down my search results in the AMA Manual of Style website? A: After performing a search, you can filter and narrow down your results using criteria such as chapters or sections.

Q: Can I annotate sections of text in the AMA Manual of Style? A: Yes, you can highlight specific sections of the text and add annotations for your personal reference.

Q: Is it possible to bookmark pages in the AMA Manual of Style for future reference? A: Yes, you can bookmark pages by clicking on the save icon, making it easy to revisit them at a later date.

Q: How can I access my saved searches, content, and annotations in the AMA Manual of Style? A: By clicking on the My Work link in the top right corner, you can easily retrieve your saved searches, content, and annotations.