How should I cite material from your textbooks in my paper or article?

Many readers have asked this question. Here is my answer.

First, if you are writing some sort of assignment for a course, follow carefully any instructions given by the instructor of that course about citing web-based material. In other words, instructor instructions trump anything written here.

For most assignments in history or other courses, the instructor does not specify in detail a method of citation. I went to google.com and typed "citing web sources," which brought up a vast list of possible sources of information. This page is especially good because it provides links covering all the major disciplinary styles: http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/citex.html. If you are writing in the context of the humanities (history, philosophy, literature, religion, etc.), then the Chicago style would be the best choice: http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite7.html#1.

If you would prefer to reason your way through the process instead of relying on an external authority, then start by considering the main purpose(s) of citing sources. One purpose is to acknowledge intellectual debts. Another is to enable the reader of your work to go to the sources you cite, either to verify their contexts or to pursue some topic in greater depth. Therefore, the citation should enable a reader to locate the relevant source easily, without having to seek additional information. With this point in mind, I would suggest including the following information when citing the textbooks in this web site:

1) Author's name (Gregory Smits)

2) Chapter title (e.g., "Culture Wars")

3) Chapter URL: (e.g., http://www.east-asian-history.net/MJ/ch3.htm)

4) "Book" title (e.g. "From the web-based book Making Japanese")

5) "Book URL: (e.g.,  http://www.east-asian-history.net/MJ/)

Furthermore, if there is some additional piece of information that clarifies the nature of the source, you should probably feel free to include it in your citation. In such cases, strive to convey the information in as few words as possible. Finally, students in courses please remember that any specific instructions from your instructor supersede anything written here.