How to Cite a Report with No Author
Citing a report without an author can be a bit tricky, but it’s an essential skill for anyone conducting research or writing academic papers. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original source but also helps readers locate the information if they wish to verify or build upon it. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing a report with no author, using the most common citation styles such as APA, MLA, and Chicago.
APA Style
When citing a report with no author in APA style, you should still include the title of the report, the publication date, and the page numbers. The format would look like this:
> Report Title. (Year, Month Day). Retrieved from Source URL
For example:
> Annual Report. (2020, January 15). Retrieved from https://www.example.com/annual-report
If the report is part of a larger document, such as a government publication, include the title of the larger document and its publication date:
> U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2020, January 15). Report to Congress on the Status of Federal Information Technology Management. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-100
MLA Style
In MLA style, the citation format for a report with no author is similar to APA. You should include the title of the report, the publication date, and the page numbers. The format would look like this:
> “Report Title.” Year, Month Day. Source URL.
For example:
> “Annual Report.” 2020, January 15. https://www.example.com/annual-report
If the report is part of a larger document, include the title of the larger document and its publication date:
> U.S. Government Accountability Office. “Report to Congress on the Status of Federal Information Technology Management.” 2020, January 15. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-100
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, the citation format for a report with no author is slightly different. You should include the title of the report, the publication date, and the page numbers. The format would look like this:
> Report Title. Year, Month Day. Source URL.
For example:
> Annual Report. 2020, January 15. https://www.example.com/annual-report
If the report is part of a larger document, include the title of the larger document and its publication date:
> U.S. Government Accountability Office. “Report to Congress on the Status of Federal Information Technology Management.” 2020, January 15. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-100
Conclusion
Citing a report with no author may seem daunting, but by following the guidelines for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, you can ensure that your work is properly credited and that readers can easily locate the source. Always double-check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publication to ensure you are following the correct citation format.
