What to Put if the Author is Unknown
In academic writing and research, citing sources is a crucial aspect that ensures the integrity of the work and gives credit to the original authors. However, there may be instances where the author of a source is unknown. This can pose a challenge when it comes to formatting the citation. In such cases, it is important to follow certain guidelines to maintain the consistency and accuracy of your reference list. This article will discuss what to put if the author is unknown in your citations.
When the author’s name is missing, it is essential to start the citation with the title of the source. This helps to identify the source even without the author’s name. For example, if you are citing a book, the citation should begin with the title of the book. Similarly, for an article, the title of the article should be used.
After the title, you should include the publication date. This is crucial for locating the source and providing readers with the necessary information to access it. For books, the publication date can be found on the copyright page or the back cover. For articles, the publication date is typically found at the top of the page or in the header/footers.
Next, include the name of the publisher or the name of the journal, depending on the type of source. For books, the publisher’s name is often found on the copyright page or the back cover. For journal articles, the journal name is usually included in the title of the article or on the cover of the journal.
In the case of online sources, if the author is unknown, you can include the website or the URL where the source is located. This helps readers to find the source directly. Additionally, you may include the date of access if the source is not available online or if the publication date is not provided.
Lastly, it is important to format the citation according to the citation style you are using, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Each style has specific guidelines for citing sources with unknown authors. Make sure to consult the appropriate style guide for the correct format.
In conclusion, when the author of a source is unknown, it is crucial to include the title, publication date, publisher or journal name, and the URL (if applicable) in your citation. By following these guidelines, you can maintain the integrity of your work and provide readers with the necessary information to locate the source.
