Library

Examples of Tricky Sources

Below are a few common but more challenging source types, with explanations of what to look for in your style guide. The exact formatting will vary depending on your required style.

Films or TV Episodes

Most styles require:

  • Title
  • Director
  • Production company
  • Year of release
  • Format (e.g., film, streaming service episode)

Example structure: Film Title, directed by Director Name (Production Company, Year).

Artwork or Images

Often requires:

  • Artist
  • Title
  • Date
  • Medium/materials
  • Museum/gallery and location
  • URL if viewing a digital reproduction

Example structure: Artist Name, Artwork Title, Year, Medium, Gallery, City.

Social Media Posts

Check how your style handles:

  • Author/username
  • Exact post text (or paraphrase)
  • Platform
  • Date
  • URL

Example structure: Author/Handle, “Post text,” Platform, Day Month Year, URL.

Performances or Live Events

These cannot be retrieved later, so your reference should capture:

  • Title of performance
  • Creator/writer/composer (if relevant)
  • Venue
  • City
  • Date you attended

Example structure: Performance Title, by Creator Name, performed at Venue, City, Day Month Year.

Ebooks and Online Materials

Some styles ask for:

  • Stable page numbers (if available)
  • Location numbers or chapter numbers if pagination varies
  • DOI or URL

Example structure: Author, Book Title (Publisher, Year), chapter or location number, DOI/URL.

Video Essays, YouTube Channels, or Online Videos

Usually requires:

  • Creator
  • Title of video
  • Platform
  • Date posted
  • URL

Example structure: Creator Name, “Video Title,” Platform, Day Month Year, URL.

Software, Games, or Digital Tool

Look up where your style guide places these—often under “software,” “computer programs,” or “digital media.” Include:

  • Developer/publisher
  • Title
  • Version (if relevant)
  • Year
  • Platform

Example structure: Developer, Software/Game Title, Version, Platform, Year.