How to Reference Author with Middle Name in Harvard Style
In academic writing, it is crucial to follow a consistent citation style to ensure clarity and professionalism. One common citation style is the Harvard referencing system, which is widely used in the UK and Australia. When referencing an author with a middle name in Harvard style, it is important to include all the necessary information correctly. This article will guide you on how to reference an author with a middle name in Harvard style.
Formatting the Author’s Name
In Harvard style, the author’s name should be formatted with the last name followed by the first name and, if applicable, the middle initial. For example, if the author’s name is John Michael Smith, you would write it as “Smith, J. M.” Ensure that you use a period after each initial to separate them.
Formatting the Title of the Work
The title of the work should be written in italics, and the first letter of each major word should be capitalized. For example, if the title of the work is “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities,” you would write it as “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.”
Formatting the Publication Date
The publication date should be written in parentheses, followed by a comma. For example, if the work was published in 2020, you would write it as “(2020,)”.
Formatting the Source
The source should be formatted as follows: “Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the work. Source.” For example, if the author is John Michael Smith, the source is a journal article titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities,” and it was published in “Environmental Science and Policy” in 2020, you would write it as “Smith, J. M. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Environmental Science and Policy.”
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing the source in the text, you should use the author’s last name and the year of publication. For example, if you are discussing the author’s findings in your text, you would write it as “Smith (2020) argues that…”
Formatting the Reference List
The reference list should be formatted with each entry starting on a new line and double-spaced. The author’s name should be followed by the publication date, the title of the work, and the source. For example:
Smith, J. M. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Environmental Science and Policy.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you reference an author with a middle name correctly in Harvard style. Remember to always double-check your formatting and consult your institution’s guidelines for any specific requirements.
