Elements of a reference. ISO 690

Sources of data

General

The data used in a reference should, if possible, be taken from the cited information resource itself. An eye-readable source of data should be preferred to any other. Where possible, the text of machine-readable, microform or audiovisual sources should be viewed to verify the elements of the reference. Data that are taken from a source other than the item itself should be recorded in brackets.

Suitable sources of data for the reference, in order of preference, are the following:

a) title page or equivalent, such as title screen, home page, disc label, map face;

b) verso of title page, header, etc.;

c) cover or label permanently associated with the item, including captions on graphic works, microfiche headers, etc.;

d) container;

e) accompanying documentation, e.g. explanatory leaflet or manual.

If any element of data appears in different forms in different places on the item, the form appearing most prominently in the preferred source should be used unless that source is obviously incorrect, e.g. an incorrect label has been attached.

Data supplied from other sources

Any information that does not appear in the cited information resource, but is supplied by the citer, should be enclosed in brackets.

Transliteration

Any element in a non-Roman alphabet may be transliterated or romanized in accordance with the appropriate International Standard.

Abbreviation

Generally accepted bibliographic terms should be abbreviated in accordance with the rules established in ISO 832. Other abbreviations should be avoided, except as provided in Creator > Organizations or groups > Parent body for patents, in Title > Titles of serials > Abbreviation for series titles, for graphic works and in for running notes.

Punctuation and typography

A consistent system of punctuation and typography should be used throughout a list of references. Each element of a reference should be clearly separated from subsequent elements by punctuation or change of typeface.
NOTE In order to emphasize the importance of consistency, a uniform scheme of punctuation is used in the examples in this International Standard. The scheme is purely illustrative and does not form part of the recommendations.

Order of elements

The usual order of elements in a reference is as follows:

a) name(s) of creator(s), if available;

b) title;

c) medium designation, if necessary;

d) edition;

e) production information (place and publisher);

f) date [in the name and date system (see Methods of citation), the year should not normally be repeated in this location unless a fuller date is necessary (e.g. for a serial)];

g) series title, if applicable;

h) numeration within the item;

i) standard identifier(s), if applicable;

j) availability, access or location information;

k) additional general information.

If the name and date system, commonly referred to as the Harvard system (see Annex A), is being applied, the year element is inserted after the creator.

EXAMPLE
CRANE, D., 1972. Invisible Colleges. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Presentation of references (Annex B) illustrates the application of this recommendation in particular circumstances related to serials, monographs, contributions and special categories of information resource.