The examples in this guide provide an over view of the author-date system as they may appear in a references page. Each example includes a reference list entry and corresponding in-text citation. For the sake of consistency, text citations are presented in parentheses below the diagrammed image of the citation example. The examples are meant to be illustrative and do not encompass every possible situation. If you have questions about citing particular types of sources or dealing with particular situations, you should consult the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed. located at the Research and Info Desk in Reed Library or contact a librarian, in person or via chat.
The Chicago Manual of Style
by
In the reference list, include the page range for the whole article. In the text, cite specific page numbers. For articles consulted online, include a URL or the name of the database in the reference list entry. Many journal articles list a DOI (Digital Object Identifier). A DOI forms a permanent URL that begins https://doi.org/. This URL is preferable to the URL that appears in your browser’s address bar.
In-text citation
(Clark 2018, 489-91)
Journal articles often list many authors, especially in the sciences. If there are four or more authors, list up to ten in the reference list; in the text, list only the first, followed by et al. (“and others”). For more than ten authors (not shown here), list the first seven in the reference list, followed by et al.
For books consulted online, include a URL or the name of the database in the reference list entry. For other types of ebooks, name the format. If no fixed page numbers are available, cite a section title or a chapter or other number in the text, if any (or simply omit).
In-text citation
(Jones and Cech 2009, 95)
In-text citation
(Purgatory Resort 2019)
The following examples illustrate the author-date system. Each example of a reference list entry is accompanied by an example of a corresponding in-text citation. For more details and many more examples, see chapter 15 of The Chicago Manual of Style 17th ed.
In-text citation
(Sanders 2018, 79-95)
Articles from newspapers or news sites, magazines, blogs, and the like are cited similarly. In the reference list, it can be helpful to repeat the year with sources that are cited also by month and day. Page numbers, if any, can be cited in the text but are omitted from a reference list entry. If you consulted the article online, include a URL or the name of the database.
In-text citation
(Standing Rock Sioux Tribe 2018)
Citations of content shared through social media can usually be limited to the text (as in the first example below). If a more formal citation is needed, a reference list entry may be appropriate. In place of a title, quote up to the first 160 characters of the post. Comments are cited in reference to the original post.
VisitDurango’s tweet was characteristically engaging: “Alpine lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, pristine with snowmelt, invite exciting adventures beyond the red dirt trails.” (@VisitDurango, July 21, 2019).
In-text citation
(FLC Native American Center 2020)
In-text citation
(Reed Library 2020)