Question on footnotes, referencing etc.

[Beeth]

In footnotes, I regularly see page numbers included. But what if in some cases (as in cases where hard copy isn't available or extremely hard to get our hands on) we only know the stuff without being able to locate the exact page number? Can the footnote then exclude page number? I am assuming this isn't a problem in references/bibliography section.

[Q]

In footnotes, I regularly see page numbers included. But what if in some cases (as in cases where hard copy isn't available or extremely hard to get our hands on) we only know the stuff without being able to locate the exact page number? Can the footnote then exclude page number? I am assuming this isn't a problem in references/bibliography section.

This is a good question actually. I expect links (especially internally in a document, like ebooks) work fine to an extent. But I do wonder if there is something as precise as the APA standard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APA_style) around.

[blake 3:17]

It really depends. In my field of work, when people are doing academic work APA is used as a convention. You might find the Modern Language Association model better. Here's their take on citing e-books: http://www.mla.org/style/style_faq/mlastyle_cite_an_ebook

It depends on what discipline you're working in. I'm assuming you are doing academic work, and if you're at an academic institution, you could just talk to writing adviser, and they may have the best suggestion.

I'd suggest two basic rules: 1) consistency and 2) more information than less. If you're drawing on a source with many editions, where page numbers are all over the place --making them meaningless -- then refer to the chapter. And if the work is in translation specify the translation.

For reasons of style, it may be preferable to use some shorter form of a title if it is being referred to often. You need to clarify that you are doing that.

[Beeth]

Thanks, guys.

It is frustrating when a hard copy is available in stores like amazon but not in the libraries you normally have access to. We cannot buy hard copy just to get page number, so is there some trick for this - some online tool?

[Beeth]

Blake, if we are simply paraphrasing, then chapter number and book would do. But if it is a direct quote, then the rules demand that we include a page number. This is going to be a problem for obscure works, even if hard copies (aside from its e-version) are available somewhere.