Wrangling the Bureaucratic Beast: How to Cite a Chicago Government Website Without Pulling Your Hair Out
Let's face it, folks. Citing a government website can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics while blindfolded and juggling flaming bowling pins. Fear not, intrepid researcher! With a little know-how and a dash of humor (because seriously, who decided this was fun?), we can conquer this bureaucratic beast together.
First Things First: Identifying Your Quarry
We're dealing with a website from the wonderful city of Chicago, and since it's a government site, chances are it's packed with official information. Think city ordinances that could put even the most complex Ikea manual to shame, or public health reports drier than a week-old bagel.
But wait! Before you get discouraged, take a deep breath and identify the specific information you need. Is it a juicy tidbit about the history of Chicago's iconic deep dish pizza? Or maybe a hard-hitting regulation on skateboarding safety? Knowing your target will help navigate the website's labyrinthine depths.
Deciphering the Government Gibberish: Author, Author?
Unlike your favorite sci-fi novel, government websites often lack a clear author. Instead, you'll likely find the culprit lurking under the guise of a department name like the "Chicago Department of Transportation" or the enigmatic "Bureau of Animal Control." This department or agency is your author.
Pro-Tip: If you're feeling fancy, you can sometimes find the name of a specific person who authored the content within the website itself. But hey, no pressure – department or agency is perfectly acceptable for rocking that Chicago citation.
Taming the Title: Catchy or Cryptic?
Now we get to the website's title. Sometimes, it's a straightforward, informative gem like "Chicago Public Library: Rules and Regulations." Other times, it might be a cryptic message only decipherable by government insiders (think "Municipal Code Chapter 14.2: Skateboard Ordinance"). Use the full title, my friend, even if it sounds like a tongue twister after a triple espresso.
The All-Important Date: Don't Be a Fossil!
Just like that carton of milk lurking in the back of your fridge, government information can go bad. Luckily, most websites will have a date associated with the content you're using. This could be a copyright date, a date last modified, or even an access date. Grab that date – it's crucial for showing your audience you're using fresh, up-to-date info.
Bonus Tip: If you can't find a date, play it safe and include the date you accessed the website in your citation.
The Final Frontier: The URL, a Never-Ending String?
Ah, the URL. The Mount Everest of website citations. It can be a monstrous string of seemingly random letters and numbers. But fear not, brave adventurer! You don't need to copy the whole thing. Just include the main website address and enough of the remaining path to identify the specific page you used.
For example, if you snagged some info from the Chicago Park District's website about dog park etiquette, you might use something like this: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ /parks/dog-friendly-areas
Phew! You've done it! You've wrestled the bureaucratic beast of a Chicago government website citation to the ground. Now, go forth and conquer your research paper (or essay, or presentation – you get the idea). Remember, a little humor and these handy tips can make even the driest topic a breeze.
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
