When an author is not listed for a source, the most common and effective method for creating an internal citation is to use a shortened version of the work's title. This ensures that readers can still locate the full source information in your bibliography or reference list.
Key Principles for No-Author Internal Citations
According to standard citation guidelines, if no author is listed, you must use a shortened title of the work for your internal citation. The formatting of this shortened title depends on the type of work:
- Short Works: For short works like articles, essays, or chapters within a larger publication, enclose the shortened title in quotation marks.
- Longer Works: For extensive works such as books, entire websites, or journals, italicize the shortened title.
Additionally, always remember to include page numbers (if there are any) after the title to direct your readers to the exact location of the information within the source.
Formatting Guide for In-Text/Parenthetical Citations (No Author)
Below is a detailed breakdown of how to construct your internal citations when the author is absent, incorporating the specific guidelines:
| Work Type | Title Formatting | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Work | Enclosed in "quotation marks" | ("Shortened Title" p. ##) or ("Article Title," 25) | Use for articles, essays, specific web pages, or encyclopedia entries. |
| Longer Work | Italicized | (Shortened Book Title p. ##) or (Website Name, 123) | Use for books, entire websites, journals, or films. |
Practical Examples
Let's look at specific scenarios to illustrate these rules:
-
Citing a Web Page with No Author:
If you're citing information from a web page titled "Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Regions" found on a governmental website, and there's no author listed, your citation might look like this:- (Para. 3 of "Climate Change Impacts," 2023) – if no page numbers, but paragraphs are numbered or implied.
- ("Climate Change Impacts," para. 5) – commonly used for web pages without fixed page numbers.
-
Citing an Article from a Magazine or Journal with No Author:
Suppose you're referencing a finding from a journal article titled "New Discoveries in Quantum Physics" where no author is credited, and the information is on page 45.- The research suggests a paradigm shift ("New Discoveries," 45).
- Alternatively: A recent study indicates significant progress ("Quantum Physics," 45).
-
Citing a Book with No Author:
When quoting from a historical reference book titled The Comprehensive Guide to Ancient Civilizations, and the specific information is on page 112:- Ancient Egyptians developed complex irrigation systems (Ancient Civilizations, 112).
- Alternatively: (Guide to Civilizations, 112)
-
Citing an Entire Website with No Author (General Reference):
If you're referencing general information or statistics from an entire website, such as a company's "About Us" page, and no specific author is provided for the site's content:- The organization emphasizes sustainability practices (EcoSolutions Group, n.d.). – Use "n.d." for no date if applicable.
- Alternatively: (EcoSolutions Group). – if no page numbers or specific sections are being cited, and you're just referring to the website generally.
By following these guidelines, you ensure clarity and accuracy in your internal citations, allowing your readers to easily locate the original source material even when an author is not explicitly named.
