Chicago (Author-Date)

This guide focuses exclusively on the Chicago "Author-Date" referencing system, a style commonly utilised in the physical, natural and social sciences. Unlike the notes-based system, the Author-Date format uses parenthetical citations within the text—containing the author’s last name and the year of publication—to acknowledge sources immediately as they are mentioned.

This comprehensive guide provides rules and clear examples for creating these in-text citations for a diverse range of sources, including books, multi-author journal articles, websites and government reports. It also details exactly how to compile the corresponding Reference List at the end of your document, covering essential elements like hanging indents, punctuation conventions and alphabetical ordering. By mastering this specific Chicago convention, you ensure your writing is accurate, consistent and adheres to the professional standards required by your discipline.