Module 5: Citing Information

Basic Elements of Citation

Citations must be used to credit any type of resource, not just books and magazines. You must cite any written, spoken, or broadcast source, including websites, a single chapter from a book, the text of a law or treaty, an interview, or a documentary video.

A citation is a brief description of one specific information source, usually appearing in a bibliography, list of works cited, or a database. Although the layout of citations varies depending on the style, the citation must include enough information to allow the reader to find the source. This information includes:

• Authors
  • Individuals
  • Organizations
• Titles
  • Book titles
  • Journal titles
  • Article titles
  • Chapter or essay titles
  • Short story or poem titles
  • Web page and website titles
• Publishers & Publication Information
  • City & state
  • Volume & issue (for journals)
• Page Numbers
  • Print and electronic (when given)
• Dates
  • Publication
  • Access (web & database sources)

To write a correct citation, it is important that you take detailed notes on a source as soon as you find it. This will help if you need to locate it again, and make it easier when you are writing your paper. Hint: Many library resources (like the catalog and databases) provide records containing all the pieces you need to write your citation!