π What is Chicago Style Citation?
Chicago style is a widely used citation and style guide, especially popular in the humanities. It provides guidelines for manuscript preparation and citation. Two main citation systems exist within Chicago style: Notes and Bibliography (NB), and Author-Date.
π A Brief History of Chicago Style
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) was first published in 1906 by the University of Chicago Press. Initially intended as a set of typesetting rules, it has evolved into a comprehensive guide covering editorial practice and citation. Its longevity and regular updates reflect its adaptability to evolving academic needs.
π Key Principles of Chicago Style
- ποΈ Consistency: Maintain uniformity in punctuation, abbreviation, and formatting throughout your work.
- π Accuracy: Ensure all source information, including author names, titles, and publication details, are precise and correct.
- π‘ Completeness: Provide all necessary information so readers can easily locate your sources.
π Notes and Bibliography (NB) System
The NB system is commonly used in literature, history, and the arts. It involves using footnotes or endnotes to cite sources and a comprehensive bibliography at the end of the document.
- π Footnotes/Endnotes: Numbered consecutively, they appear at the bottom of the page (footnotes) or at the end of the chapter/document (endnotes).
- π Bibliography: An alphabetized list of all sources cited, providing full publication details.
Example Footnote:
1. John Smith, The History of Everything (New York: Penguin Books, 2020), 45.
Example Bibliography Entry:
Smith, John. The History of Everything. New York: Penguin Books, 2020.
π
Author-Date System
The Author-Date system is preferred in the social and natural sciences. It uses parenthetical in-text citations that refer to an alphabetized reference list.
- π§βπ« In-Text Citations: Include the author's last name, year of publication, and page number (if applicable) in parentheses.
- ποΈ Reference List: Provides full publication details for each source, alphabetized by the author's last name.
Example In-Text Citation:
(Smith 2020, 45)
Example Reference List Entry:
Smith, John. 2020. The History of Everything. New York: Penguin Books.
π§ͺ Real-World Examples
Here's how different source types are cited in both systems:
| Source Type |
Notes and Bibliography (Footnote) |
Author-Date (In-Text Citation) |
| Book |
1. John Smith, Title of Book (City: Publisher, Year), Page. |
(Smith, Year, Page) |
| Journal Article |
2. Jane Doe, "Title of Article," Journal Name Volume, no. Issue (Year): Page. |
(Doe, Year, Page) |
| Website |
3. "Title of Page," Website Name, accessed Date, URL. |
("Title of Page," Year) [if no author] |
π‘ Conclusion
Mastering Chicago style citation is crucial for academic integrity and clear communication. Whether you choose the Notes and Bibliography or Author-Date system, consistency and accuracy are key. Use this guide as your go-to resource, and you'll be citing like a pro in no time!
