The Chicago style bibliography is a widely used citation style that provides a comprehensive system for referencing sources in academic and professional writing. The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is a authoritative guide that outlines the rules and guidelines for formatting citations, bibliographies, and footnotes.
History of Chicago Style
The Chicago style was first introduced in 1906 by the University of Chicago Press, and it has since become one of the most widely used citation styles in the world. The CMS is currently in its 17th edition, which was published in 2017. The style is commonly used in the humanities, social sciences, and arts, and it is preferred by many academic journals and publications.
Chicago Style Bibliography Format
A Chicago style bibliography is a list of sources that are cited in a research paper or document. The bibliography is usually placed at the end of the document and includes all the sources that are referenced in the text. The format of a Chicago style bibliography entry varies depending on the type of source being cited. For example, a book citation would include the author’s name, title of the book, publication city, publisher, and publication date.
| Source Type | Bibliography Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Author's Name. Book Title. Publication City: Publisher, Publication Date. |
| Journal Article | Author's Name. "Article Title." Journal Title Volume, no. Issue (Publication Date): Page Numbers. |
| Newspaper Article | Author's Name. "Article Title." Newspaper Title, Publication Date, Page Numbers. |
Chicago Style Footnotes and Endnotes
In addition to the bibliography, the Chicago style also uses footnotes and endnotes to cite sources in the text. Footnotes are placed at the bottom of the page, while endnotes are placed at the end of the document. The format of a footnote or endnote entry is similar to the bibliography entry, but it includes a superscript number that corresponds to the citation in the text.
Chicago Style Footnote Format
A Chicago style footnote entry would include the author’s name, title of the source, publication city, publisher, and publication date. For example, a footnote citation for a book would be:
1. John Smith, The History of Chicago (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010), 23-25.
Chicago Style Citation Examples
The following are some examples of Chicago style citations for different types of sources:
- Book: John Smith, The History of Chicago (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010).
- Journal Article: Jane Doe, "The Impact of Climate Change," Journal of Environmental Studies 10, no. 2 (2015): 12-20.
- Newspaper Article: Bob Johnson, "The New Chicago Stadium," Chicago Tribune, February 10, 2019, 1-2.
What is the difference between a bibliography and a reference list?
+A bibliography is a list of sources that are cited in a research paper or document, while a reference list is a list of sources that are cited in a specific citation style, such as APA or MLA.
How do I format a Chicago style bibliography entry for a website?
+A Chicago style bibliography entry for a website would include the author’s name, title of the webpage, website title, publication date, and URL. For example: John Smith, “The History of Chicago,” Chicago Website, accessed February 10, 2020, https://www.chicagowebsite.com.
Can I use the Chicago style for a research paper in any field?
+The Chicago style is commonly used in the humanities, social sciences, and arts, but it can be used in any field that requires a comprehensive citation system. However, it is essential to consult the CMS or the publication’s guidelines for specific instructions on using the Chicago style.
