I can't find an exact example for the item I need to reference. What should I do?
You may not always be able to find an exact example for the item you need to reference. However, it is possible, and okay, to piece together a reference by collecting information about your source, and by looking at a similar source type or combining a few in your selected style.
Most referencing styles use similar information to put together a reference. It can help to think about these questions for your item, but don’t worry if you can’t answer them all:
- Who is the author or creator?
- When was it created or updated? If relevant, when did you access it?
- What is the title?
- What is the format of the source? (this is important for some referencing styles if it’s an unusual source type, such as a podcast, lecture slides, brochure etc.)
- If you accessed it online, what is the URL (or DOI)?
- Is there any other information that would help someone find the item? (e.g. a publisher, or a series that the item is part of)
Once you have collected as much of this information as you can, look at the guidance for your preferred reference style on Re:cite. You may need to look at the About section, as well as one or more similar source types to create your reference. Pay attention to:
- The order of information, such as where the author, date and title are included in example references.
- Any punctuation and formatting, such as when to use commas, brackets and/or italics.
- Any special rules, such as what to do if you can’t find a publication date, or how to include information about the format of your source.
Replicating this for your source should allow you to create a citation that follows the requirements for your style.
If you need help, ask a librarian on Library Chat during library opening hours.
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