For information about basic referencing, click here.
In-text referencing is part of the Harvard author-date system. You use in-text references in the text (That's why it's called in-text!) An in-text reference looks like this:
(Smith 1990)
An in-text reference is goes together with the full reference at the end of your work. In-text reference: (Archer 2007) Reference: Archer, J 2007, The Environmental Dream, Elsevier Print, Sydney.
In-text reference: (Smith 1990) Reference: Smith J 1990, Printing in the 40s, PrintScholar.com, accessed 28/6/20, <https://www.ps.com/40techniques>
How do you do it? 1. opening bracket 2. author last name 3. year published 4. closing bracket 5. full reference at end of work
(Note: You might see some references with a comma between the author and the year. That's fine, both are okay!) (Archer 2007) (Archer, 2007)
Why do it? The point of an in-text reference is that when you use interesting information, if the reader wants to know more they can use the in-text reference. The in-text reference helps you find the right reference in the full reference list at the end. You can then use the full reference to find the source of information (without having to check every single reference) and read it yourself! It also helps you check if the information is accurate.
Where do I put it? The in-text reference goes at the end of the idea you have used. This may be the end of a sentence, the end of a quote or the end of a paragraph.
Once the in-text references are completed, you must include the full reference at the end of your work in the reference list.
Example 1:
In the 1940s, technology, including printing technology, was extremely different. The main technique involved a machine called the rote-stamper. (Smith 1990)
Reference List Smith J 1990, Printing in the 40s, PrintScholar.com, accessed 28/6/20, <https://www.ps.com/40techniques>
Example 2:
The original idea behind the project was to design a building with environmentally friendly materials for under $500,000. (Archer 2007) Unfortunately, a design flaw in the layout made the first attempt almost impossible. A team of architects eventually realised the magnitude of the problems, and redesigned the flawed layout. Unfortunately, this design came at a minimum cost of $700,500. (Ross 2011)
Reference List Archer, J 2007, The Environmental Dream, Elsevier Print, Sydney. Ross, L 2011, A comprehensive history of architectural mistakes, Puffin, Washington.
Note: the in-text reference can be before or after the full stop. (Both are okay!) Unfortunately, this design came at a minimum cost of $700,500. (Ross 2011) Unfortunately, this design came at a minimum cost of $700,500 (Ross 2011).