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English Literature

Resource for all things literature

Citing Primary Sources - basics

Miriam Intrator, Rare Books Librarian in Mahn Center has created a RESEARCHING WITH ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS guide.

Sections of interest:  CITING PRIMARY SOURCES IN MAHN CENTER, FINDING OTHER ARCHIVAL SOURCES

Otherwise, the basic elements of a primary source citation are as follows:  

No matter the style or format, citations for rare or unique materials should include enough information to identify and locate the original work:

  • title of work
  • date of creation or publication
  • collection name
  • name and location of the repository or library unit

Optimally, a citation for rare and/or unpublished works will include other information to further identify and locate the original copy of the work, which may include:

  • collection identifier
  • box number
  • folder name and/or number
  • call number
  • page number
  • documentary or media format
  • URL for a catalog entry, finding aid, or digital library object
Subjects: English