When you ask "How do you cite WorldCat?", you are typically looking for instructions on how to cite a specific resource or item you discovered while using the WorldCat database, rather than how to cite WorldCat itself as a database. WorldCat provides a straightforward method to generate citations directly from its search results for the items it indexes.
Direct Citation from WorldCat Search Results
WorldCat simplifies the citation process for materials found within its comprehensive catalog. You can easily obtain pre-formatted citations for books, articles, and other resources by following a few steps directly from your search results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain Citations from WorldCat
- Perform Your Search: Begin by conducting a search for your desired resource on WorldCat.org. You might be looking for a specific book, a journal article, or a thesis.
- Access Result List: Once your search is complete, the list of matching results will appear, displaying various editions and formats of the items.
- Locate the "Cite" Icon: For each individual result, you will find a "Cite" icon (often represented by quotation marks, like '""') usually located in the upper right corner of the result entry.
- Select Citation Style: Click this "Cite" icon to reveal a pop-up window or section. This feature typically offers several popular citation styles, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and others.
- Copy and Paste: Choose the citation style that matches your academic requirements. The formatted citation will be displayed, ready for you to copy and paste directly into your bibliography or works cited page.
Understanding Citation Nuances: Citing the Resource vs. Citing the Database
It's crucial to understand the distinction between citing the item you found (e.g., a book) and citing the database where you found it (WorldCat).
Why Cite the Original Resource?
The primary goal of academic citation is to give credit to the original creators of information and allow readers to locate the source material. When you find a book, article, or other work through WorldCat, the core citation should always be for that original work, not just for WorldCat itself. WorldCat acts as a discovery tool, directing you to libraries that hold the item.
When Might You Cite WorldCat Itself?
While less common, you might cite WorldCat as a database if:
- You are performing research about library catalogs or bibliographic databases.
- You are discussing WorldCat's capabilities, scope, or its role in information discovery in a scholarly context.
- Your instructor specifically requests that you acknowledge the database used for your search, though this is usually secondary to citing the original item.
In most standard research papers, you will primarily cite the book, article, or media you retrieved, often omitting direct reference to WorldCat.
Common Citation Styles and Best Practices
When using WorldCat's built-in citation tool, always select the style your institution or publication requires (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
APA Style Considerations
For APA (American Psychological Association) style, citations typically focus on author, date, title, and source. When citing a print book found via WorldCat, your citation would focus on the book's details.
MLA Style Considerations
MLA (Modern Language Association) style emphasizes author, title, and publication details. Again, the citation generated from WorldCat will primarily be for the original work.
Chicago Style Considerations
The Chicago Manual of Style offers two systems: Notes and Bibliography, and Author-Date. Both focus on the source material's publication details.
Example Citations for a Book Found via WorldCat
Here's an example of how a book (the resource) might be cited in different styles, assuming you found its details and location through WorldCat. Remember, WorldCat's tool will provide these for you.
| Style | Example Citation (for The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald) |
|---|---|
| APA | Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925). The great Gatsby. Scribner. |
| MLA | Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925. |
| Chicago | Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner, 1925. |
Practical Tips for Accurate Citation
- Always Verify: While WorldCat's citation tool is convenient, always double-check the generated citation against the official style guide (e.g., the APA Style Blog, the MLA Style Center, or the Chicago Manual of Style Online). Automated citations can sometimes contain minor errors or omissions.
- Note Access Date (When Applicable): For online resources, especially dynamic ones, some styles recommend including an "Accessed" date. For stable resources like digitized books found through WorldCat, this is often not necessary for the original source but could be for the WorldCat record itself if that's what you were citing.
- Consult Official Guides: When in doubt, refer to the most current edition of your required style guide for precise rules and examples.
By utilizing WorldCat's direct citation feature and understanding the principles of academic citation, you can accurately credit the sources you use in your research.
