Finding the information
When you reference a book, you need to ensure the accuracy of the reference so that anyone can locate the material you have used.
You can find all the information you need in the first few pages, including the author's name, date, full title and the publisher's details.
The correct order for referencing a book is shown below. Click each button to find out more.
1. Author
When you write the author's name, always begin with the surname, followed by a comma and then any initials. Complete the author's name with a full-stop.
When you write the author's name, always begin with the surname, followed by a comma and then any initials. Complete the author's name with a full-stop.
2. Date
The date can normally be found adjacent to the copyright symbol. Make sure you are using the date referring to when your book was first published.
When forming a reference, enclose the date in brackets.
The date can normally be found adjacent to the copyright symbol. Make sure you are using the date referring to when your book was first published.
When forming a reference, enclose the date in brackets.
3. Title
Make sure you always use the full title. If there is a subtitle, use a colon to separate this from the main title. The full title is written in bold and should be completed with a full stop.
Make sure you always use the full title. If there is a subtitle, use a colon to separate this from the main title. The full title is written in bold and should be completed with a full stop.
4. Publisher & place
You need to find the publisher's name and the publisher's location. The location comes first and you separate this from the publisher's name with a colon. Complete the publisher's details with a full-stop.
You need to find the publisher's name and the publisher's location. The location comes first and you separate this from the publisher's name with a colon. Complete the publisher's details with a full-stop.