What to include in a citation

Every source is a little different. This article explains which details you usually need, so your citations are complete and easy to check. If you are not sure what your teacher wants, ask them which style to follow.

Why citations matter

Placeholder text. Explain in two or three sentences why it is important to credit the work of others.

Details you need for each type of source

Most citations use the same basic details. Some sources need a few extra ones.

Type of source	Details you usually need
Book	Author, title, year, publisher
Website	Author or site name, page title, date, link
Journal article	Author, article title, journal name, year, pages
Video	Creator, title, date, where you watched it

When you cannot find the author

Placeholder text. Explain what to do when a source has no named author.

When you cannot find the date

Placeholder text. Explain what to do when a source has no date.

Tip

Placeholder tip. Suggest saving your source details as soon as you find them, so you do not have to search again later.

Quotes and paraphrases

Placeholder text. Explain the difference between quoting someone word for word and putting their idea in your own words. Both need a citation.

Short quotes

Placeholder text about short quotes.

Longer quotes

Placeholder text about longer quotes.

Common mistakes

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Warning

Placeholder warning. Remind the reader that using someone else’s words or ideas without credit can have serious results at school.

Frequently asked questions

What if my source has no author?

Placeholder answer. Explain what to do.

Do I need to cite ideas, or only quotes?

Placeholder answer. Explain the rule in simple words.

Where to go next

Edit or remove a citationFix a mistake in a citation or take it out of your document.Change your citation styleSwitch the style your citations use.

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