How to Reference a Book (Open Learning)

The details required to reference a book are available on the title page of a book and its reverse page (verso).

There are some points to keep in mind when using this information.

• The title of the book must be written in sentence case in the reference, not as you see it on the title page.
• If there is more than one place of publication given, use the one that is closest, geographically, to you.
• Use the date from next to the copyright symbol only and if there are more than one, use the most modern. Ignore any dates given as reprinted in...

eBooks

An eBook that includes all the same elements as the print version e.g. page numbers, edition, publication details, should be referenced as though it was a print book.

eBooks available on an edevice e.g. Kindle

If the ebook is available on an edevice (Kindle, smartphones and tablets) the elements might not be the same as the print version.  If this is the case you need to use the information you do have e.g. loc or %

In-text citation

(Adams, 1979, loc 876) or Adams (1979, loc 876)

Reference list

Adams, D. (1979) The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. Available at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-ebooks (Downloaded: 28 August 2013).