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Do-It-Yourself Library: Help with Citation

I Have A Citation But I Don't Know What Type It Is

A bibliographic citation is used in a publication's reference list to acknowledge a work. It contains basic information needed to locate an item.

There are different citation styles for citing books, journal articles, chapters in books, dissertations, pamphlets, videocassettes, and other source types. The citations on this page are in APA style. 

Learn more about citing sources

BOOKS

Usually includes author/s, title, place of publication, publisher, and year. 

APA citation for a book source

PERIODICAL/JOURNAL ARTICLES

Usually includes author/s, title, volume number, date and page numbers. 

APA citation example of a journal article

BOOK CHAPTER

Book chapter citations will include two titles: the chapter title and the book title. Two names may also be listed: the author of the chapter and the book editor. The same publication information that appears in a book citation is in a book chapter citation: place of publication, publisher, and year.