Guide to Bibliographic Citations

Bibliographies, References, Works Cited are just a few of the terms used to note other resources that have been used for information when writing a report, paper, book, etc. Any time  a quote, number, process, etc. is used, and  that fact is not common knowledge, the location of the fact  must be noted.  Usually this will occur in a bibliography.  In addition, works that are used in preparation of the report should be cited in the bibliography.  This includes the works that provide the background information, or literature review.

There are several reasons to have a complete bibliography.  The first is a record of your development of the topic and the report.  Second, it allows others to read the works that influenced your report so they can learn more. Third, it provides credibility and substantiates your work.

Information on creating bibliographies comes from a number a sources.  The first rule of thumb is to use the style requested by the particular publisher or faculty member you are writing for.  There are literally dozens of guides in print and on the Web.  Each discipline has its own guide or guides and many publications have created their own style.  Writers must adhere to the 'publisher' demands.

There are several places to look for the correct information.  Many organizations/publishers list their requirements on their web pages.  This might be a good first place to look.  Many  publications note their required style in a section usually called instructions to authors.

There are several web sites that discuss citation.  Again, find the one or ones that will work for your need.  A list of Web sites follows, then a bibliography of books that you might find useful.

Web sites:

• Endnote - From the University Libraries
• Citing  Your Sources - From the University Libraries
• Excerpts from International Standard ISO 690-2 - Information and Documentation -- Bibliographic References
Writing Resources
• From the Gateway Library
• Engineering Society Style Guides
  • AIAA
  • ASCE
  • ASME see page 17
  • IEEE See pages 6-7.

Books:

The Chicago Manual of Style,  15th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003. (Z253.C5701, Reference)
         This is considered a 'standard' in citation. It covers a wide number of possible references and many of the other guides are based on Chicago.  However, it is weak on the electronic formats.

Penn State Editorial Style Manual If you ever wondered what the correct name of a campus was, how to cite a department, etc., this is the guide for you.