When citing materials that are themselves referenced within another source, known as secondary sourcing, the primary recommendation is always to locate and cite the original work directly. This ensures accuracy, allows you to verify the context, and provides readers with the most direct access to the information.
However, if the original source is truly inaccessible (e.g., out of print, untranslated, or difficult to obtain), you must cite the secondary source—the work you actually read—and acknowledge where the information was originally found.
Understanding Primary vs. Secondary Sources
A primary source is the original document or work (e.g., a research paper, a book, a historical artifact). A secondary source interprets, analyzes, or summarizes primary sources (e.g., a review article, a textbook, a biography). When a secondary source quotes or summarizes a primary source, and you wish to use that information, you're dealing with "cited materials."
As stated in the reference, "In the body of a paper, the in-text citation acknowledges the source of information used. At the end of a paper, the citations are compiled on a References or Works Cited list. A basic citation includes the author, title, and publication information of the source." This principle applies whether you're citing a primary or secondary source; the key is to ensure the citation accurately reflects what you accessed.
Best Practice: Prioritize the Original Source
Whenever possible, invest the time to find and read the original material. This allows you to:
- Verify Accuracy: Ensure the secondary source correctly represented the original.
- Understand Context: Appreciate the nuances and full scope of the original argument.
- Build Credibility: Show that you've done thorough research.
If you successfully locate the original source, you will simply cite it as you would any other direct source, including its author, title, and publication information.
Citing When the Original is Inaccessible (Secondary Sourcing)
If you cannot access the original source, you must cite the secondary source that quoted or summarized the original. In your in-text citation, you need to clearly indicate that the information was found in a secondary source.
Key Principles for Secondary Source Citation:
- Cite the Source You Read: Your reference list (or bibliography/works cited) will only include the secondary source—the one you actually consulted.
- Acknowledge the Original in-text: Your in-text citation will reference the original author but clearly state that the information was "quoted in" or "cited in" the secondary source.
- Basic Citation Components: Remember, for the source you did read (the secondary source), your full citation at the end of the paper will still include its "author, title, and publication information."
How to Cite Cited Materials Across Styles
Here's a breakdown of how to handle secondary sourcing in major citation styles:
Citation Style | In-Text Citation (Example) | Reference/Works Cited Entry (Example) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
APA (7th ed.) | (Freud, as cited in Jones, 1998, p. 75) Or: Freud's theory (as cited in Jones, 1998) suggests... |
Jones, A. B. (1998). Theories of Psychology. Psychology Press. | Only cite Jones in your reference list. Use "as cited in" for clarity. Only use if the original (Freud) is truly unavailable. |
MLA (9th ed.) | According to Smith, "quote" (qtd. in Johnson 2005, p. 123). Or: (qtd. in Johnson 123) |
Johnson, Emily. Literary Criticism Today. University Press, 2005. | Only cite Johnson in your Works Cited list. Use "qtd. in" (quoted in) to indicate indirect quotation. MLA strongly discourages secondary sourcing; prefer original whenever possible. |
Chicago (17th ed.) | Notes/Bibliography: 1. Freud's argument, quoted in Alfred Jones, Theories of Psychology (New York: Psychology Press, 1998), 75. |
Bibliography: Jones, Alfred. Theories of Psychology. New York: Psychology Press, 1998. |
Only cite Jones in your bibliography. Your footnote/endnote indicates the original author and where it was cited. Chicago Manual of Style generally prefers finding original sources but provides this format for truly inaccessible material. |
Harvard | (Smith cited in Williams 2010, p. 45) Or: Smith (cited in Williams 2010) argues... |
Williams, L. (2010) Modern History. Publishing House. | Only cite Williams in your reference list. Use "cited in" to indicate the indirect reference. Follow specific university or journal guidelines for slight variations if any. |
Practical Insights and Considerations
- When to Avoid Secondary Sourcing:
- If the original source is easily accessible through your library, online databases, or interlibrary loan.
- If you are discussing the original author's work in depth or critically analyzing their specific claims. Always go to the original in these cases.
- Ethical Implications: Misrepresenting the original author's intent is a serious academic offense. Secondary sourcing should be a last resort.
- Check Style Guide Specifics: While the examples above cover the general approach, always consult the official style guide (e.g., APA Publication Manual, MLA Handbook, The Chicago Manual of Style) for the most precise and up-to-date guidelines relevant to your discipline.
By following these guidelines, you ensure that your citations are accurate, transparent, and uphold academic integrity, whether you're citing original work or, as a last resort, materials cited within other sources.