How to Cite a Database Chicago Style
Citing a database in Chicago style can be a bit tricky, but with the right guidelines, it can be done accurately. Whether you are a student working on a research paper or a professional writing an academic article, properly citing your sources is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cite a database in Chicago style:
1. Start with the author’s name, if available. If the author is not listed, begin with the title of the article or entry.
2. Follow the author’s name or title with the title of the database in italics.
3. Include the publication information, including the city of publication, the name of the publisher, and the year of publication.
4. Add the medium of publication, such as “Web” or “Database.”
5. Include the date of access in the format “Accessed Month Day, Year.”
Here are seven frequently asked questions about citing a database in Chicago style:
1. What if there is no author listed for the entry?
If there is no author listed, start with the title of the article or entry.
2. What if there is no title for the database?
If there is no title for the database, use a concise description of the database instead.
3. How do I format the publication information?
The publication information should be formatted as follows: City: Publisher, Year.
4. What if the publication year is not available?
If the publication year is not available, use “n.d.” to indicate that the year is unknown.
5. Do I need to include the URL?
In Chicago style, it is not necessary to include the URL for a database citation.
6. How do I format the date of access?
The date of access should be formatted as follows: Accessed Month Day, Year.
7. Are there any specific punctuation rules for database citations?
Yes, be sure to use proper punctuation, including periods and commas, according to Chicago style guidelines.
Citing a database in Chicago style is an important part of academic writing. By following the steps outlined above and keeping these FAQs in mind, you can accurately cite a database and give credit to the original authors.