How To Cite References

Murdoch University Library Publications

2008

Which Style Should I Use?

A reference is a consistent method of acknowledging another persons ideas, which you may have used, in your own essay or assignment.

There are many acceptable forms of referencing. Two common styles of referencing are the author-date and notation styles.

While the author-date system was popularised at Harvard University, Harvard no longer produces a standard guide to referencing. Some common author-date referencing methods, which are used as international standards include:

• Chicago (updated February 2008)

• APA (updated April 2008)

• MLA (updated February 2008)

The notational styles of referencing are based upon a numerical system which refers readers to notes or references at the end of a page, chapter, or publication. Some notational referencing styles include:

• Footnote Endnote (updated February 2008)

• IEEE (updated February 2008)

• Vancouver (updated February 2008)

Murdoch University Law students should always use the Legal Citation style.

All referencing styles are works in progress, they change and evolve as new editions of the manuals are published and new methods of publishing are established.

It is best to use styles which are international standards and to which there are ongoing publications manuals to refer to for further examples. It is also preferable to learn in the first instance a style which you use throughout your academic careers regardless of where you are studying.