Citing work in progress is crucial for acknowledging ongoing research and intellectual contributions, and it typically involves using specific formats to denote the manuscript's current status rather than its final published form.
Understanding "Work in Progress" for Citation
"Work in progress" in an academic context primarily refers to scholarly manuscripts that have not yet been formally published. This can include research that is still being written, has been prepared but not yet submitted, or is currently under peer review for publication. Proper citation ensures that credit is given to the authors and that readers understand the preliminary nature of the cited material.
Standard Citation Format for Manuscripts
To cite work in progress, especially a manuscript, you must specify its status to inform the reader that it's not a finalized, peer-reviewed publication. According to standard guidelines, the format typically includes the author(s), year, title, and a clear indication of its unpublished status.
The core reference format is:
Author(s) (Year). Title of manuscript. [Unpublished manuscript] or [Manuscript in preparation] or [Manuscript submitted for publication].
This format clearly communicates the stage of the work, managing reader expectations regarding its review status and accessibility.
Key Elements of the Citation
- Author(s): The primary researcher(s) or creator(s) of the work.
- Year: The year the manuscript was written or last significantly revised. This provides a temporal context for the work's development.
- Title of manuscript: The working title of the paper or study.
- Status Indicator: A crucial bracketed phrase that specifies the stage of the work. This could be:
- [Unpublished manuscript]: For a manuscript that has been written but not yet submitted to a publisher.
- [Manuscript in preparation]: For a manuscript that is actively being written or developed.
- [Manuscript submitted for publication]: For a manuscript that has been submitted to a journal or publisher and is currently undergoing the peer-review process.
Practical Examples and Scenarios
Here's a breakdown of how to apply this format in different "work in progress" scenarios, ensuring clarity and adherence to academic integrity.
| Work in Progress Status | Citation Format Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Manuscript in Preparation | Smith, J. (2023). Innovations in AI-driven healthcare diagnostics. [Manuscript in preparation]. | The research is ongoing, and the manuscript is actively being written or developed. |
| Unpublished Manuscript | Jones, A., & Lee, B. (2022). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. [Unpublished manuscript]. | The manuscript is complete or largely complete but has not yet been submitted to a publisher. |
| Manuscript Submitted for Publication | Davies, C. (2024). Quantum computing applications in cryptography. [Manuscript submitted for publication]. | The manuscript has been formally submitted to a journal and is currently undergoing peer review. |
Important Considerations When Citing Work in Progress
- Permission: Always seek explicit permission from the author(s) before citing their work in progress. This respects their intellectual property and ensures they are aware of your reference.
- Context: Clearly explain in your text why you are citing work in progress. For instance, "As Smith (2023) posits in their manuscript in preparation,..."
- Accessibility: Understand that work in progress is generally not publicly accessible. Inform readers if the material can be obtained directly from the author.
- Updates: Be prepared to update your citation if the work eventually gets published. Once published, cite the final published version (e.g., journal article, book chapter) instead of the "work in progress" status.
- Alternative: Personal Communication: If the "work in progress" is merely an idea, a brief conversation, or data that isn't formalized into a manuscript, it might be more appropriate to cite it as a "personal communication" (e.g., J. Smith, personal communication, October 26, 2023). However, this should be used sparingly and is distinct from citing an actual manuscript.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively and ethically acknowledge ongoing research, contributing to scholarly transparency and integrity.
