Citing Your Sources: The Authorless Abyss of Chicago Style
So, you've done the unthinkable. You've found a piece of information that's so captivating, so groundbreaking, that it practically levitates off the page. But there's a catch: no author. Cue the dramatic music. This is where the treacherous waters of Chicago style citation await.
Fear not, intrepid researcher! We're here to navigate this authorless abyss together. Let's dive in, shall we?
 |
| How To Do In Text Citation With No Author Chicago Style |
The Basics: It's All About the Title
When there's no author to grace your citation with their name, the spotlight shifts to the title. Yes, that seemingly ordinary title becomes your new best friend. In the world of Chicago, it’s the title that takes center stage, not some egotistical author.
Here's the general rule:
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
- In-text citation: Use the first few words of the title (omitting articles like "The", "A", or "An") followed by the page number (if available).
- Bibliography entry: Start with the title, followed by publication information.
Examples of In-Text Citations
- Book: "The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health" 23.
- Website: "How to Write a Killer Resume" para. 2.
Note: If you're using the author-date style of Chicago, treat the title as the author. For example:
- (Impact of Social Media 2023)
The Bibliography: A Title's Finest Hour
Your bibliography is where the title truly shines. It’s their time to impress. Here's a basic structure:
- Title of the work.
- Publication information (city, publisher, date)
- If it's a website, include the URL and access date.
Example:
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health. New York: HarperCollins, 2023.
 |
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Don't Panic: Just because there's no author doesn't mean your research is doomed.
- Be Consistent: Stick to either the author-date or notes-bibliography style.
- Check the Style Guide: The Chicago Manual of Style is your ultimate authority.
- Proofread: Typos can make your citations look like a ransom note.
How To Questions
How to cite a website with no author in Chicago style?
- Use the title of the website in your in-text citation and the full title in your bibliography. Include the URL and access date.
How to cite a journal article with no author in Chicago style?
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
- Similar to a website, use the title in your in-text citation and the full title, journal information, volume, issue, and page numbers in your bibliography.
How to cite a book with no author in Chicago style?
- Use the title in your in-text citation and the full title, publication information in your bibliography.
How to handle multiple sources with the same title in Chicago style?
- Differentiate them by adding a subtitle or publication year to the in-text citation. In the bibliography, list them alphabetically by title.
How to cite an image with no author in Chicago style?
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
- If possible, use the caption or image description for the in-text citation. In the bibliography, include the image title, source, and URL if available.
Remember, while the absence of an author might initially feel like a roadblock, it's actually an opportunity to showcase your research skills. So, embrace the challenge and let those titles shine!
Do you have any specific examples you'd like to cite? Let's give it a try!
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
