Master the Chicago Style: A Complete Guide to Citing

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Chicago Style?
   1. Notes and Bibliography System
   2. Author-Date System
3. Where to Put Citations
   1. Footnotes and Endnotes
   2. In-text Citations
4. Information Needed for Citations
   1. Scholarly Journal Article
   2. Book
   3. Other Types of Sources
5. Formatting Citations in Chicago Style
   1. Notes and Bibliography System
      1. Creating Footnotes or Endnotes
      2. Formatting Notes
      3. Creating a Bibliography
   2. Author-Date System
      1. Including Author, Year, and Page Numbers
      2. Formatting the References List
6. Differences Between Notes and Bibliography and Author-Date Systems
7. Paying Attention to Details
8. Using the Chicago Manual of Style
9. Additional Citing Resources
10. Conclusion

What is Chicago Style and How to Cite Sources Using It

Chicago style is a widely used citation format that provides guidelines on how to cite sources in academic writing. It is the foundation for Turabian style as well. This article will guide you through the process of citing sources using Chicago style, covering topics such as where to put citations, the information needed for citations, formatting citations, and more.

What is Chicago Style?

Chicago style offers two different citation systems: the Notes and Bibliography system and the Author-Date system. The Notes and Bibliography system uses footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations and provides a separate bibliography or list of references at the end of the paper. On the other hand, the Author-Date system uses in-text citations with brief author information enclosed in parentheses and includes a references list at the end of the paper.

Where to Put Citations

Citations in Chicago style are placed in two parts: within the paper and at the end of the paper. In the Notes and Bibliography system, citations are placed as footnotes or endnotes at the end of each sentence that uses ideas from a source. In the Author-Date system, citations are in-text with brief author information enclosed in parentheses.

Information Needed for Citations

The information required for citation depends on the type of source being used. For a scholarly journal article, you'll need the author's name, article title, journal name, publication date, volume and issue numbers, and page range. It's also recommended to include the DOI or URL of the article. For a book, you'll need the author's name, book title, publisher, place of publication, and publication year. If citing a specific chapter within a book, you'll need additional information about the book along with the chapter's author, title, and page range. Other types of sources may require different information, so it's important to consult the Chicago Manual of Style for specific guidelines.

Formatting Citations in Chicago Style

The formatting of citations in Chicago style depends on the citation system being used. In the Notes and Bibliography system, footnotes or endnotes are created at the end of each sentence referring to a source. The full information about the source is provided in the note, including the author's name, title, place of publication, publisher, and page number. The full citations are then repeated in alphabetical order in the bibliography or list of references at the end of the paper. In the Author-Date system, in-text citations include the author's name, publication year, and page number in parentheses. A separate references list is provided at the end of the paper, with each entry formatted according to specific guidelines.

Differences Between Notes and Bibliography and Author-Date Systems

The Notes and Bibliography system and the Author-Date system in Chicago style have some differences in terms of citation format. In the Notes and Bibliography system, the citation includes the page number in the note itself, whereas in the bibliography, the page number is omitted. Also, the author's last name comes first in the bibliography, unlike in the notes. In the Author-Date system, the publication year is placed immediately after the author's name in the in-text citation, whereas in the Notes and Bibliography system, it comes after the publication information.

Paying Attention to Details

When it comes to citing sources in Chicago style, it's crucial to pay attention to small details such as punctuation and capital letters. These details can make a significant difference in both the Notes and Bibliography system and the Author-Date system. Following the guidelines provided by the Chicago Manual of Style ensures accurate and consistent citations, avoiding any issues of plagiarism.

Using the Chicago Manual of Style

To ensure proper citation formatting using Chicago style, it's important to consult the official guide, the Chicago Manual of Style. This comprehensive resource provides detailed instructions and examples for citing various types of sources and covers both the Notes and Bibliography system and the Author-Date system.

Additional Citing Resources

In addition to the Chicago Manual of Style, there are other citing resources available to assist you in properly citing sources. These resources provide helpful tips and examples for various citation formats, ensuring accuracy in your citations. Links to these resources and other helpful materials can be found on this page.

Conclusion

Citing sources using Chicago style might seem complex at first, but by understanding the different citation systems, knowing where to put citations, and following the specific formatting guidelines, you can accurately cite sources in your academic writing. Remember to consult the Chicago Manual of Style and other citing resources for specific guidelines and examples to ensure your citations are accurate and consistent.