Guide to Employing Ibid in Chicago Style

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Content

Procedures

Citing the Same Source Sequentially

Utilizing an Abbreviated Citation

Helpful Hints

If you're crafting a paper using the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), it's customary to incorporate both footnotes and a bibliography. A complete footnote includes the same details as your bibliography entry albeit in a slightly different format, accompanied by page numbers where the referenced material can be located in the source. However, if you're referencing the same source consecutively 3 times or more, you may opt for 'ibid.' (derived from the Latin term 'ibidem,' meaning 'in the same place') instead of repeating the citation details other than the page numbers. The 17th edition of CMOS, released in 2017, advises against the use of 'ibid.' as it may confuse readers accessing electronic works. Consult your instructor or editor to determine the appropriate method.

Procedures

Citing the Same Source Sequentially

Utilize the complete footnote style for the initial citation of a work. When citing a work for the first time in your paper, insert a superscript number at the end of the sentence and provide a footnote containing all the relevant information found in your bibliography entry. However, in footnotes, list the author's first name first and separate citation elements with commas. Enclose publication details in parentheses and append the page number or range at the conclusion.

Example of complete footnote style for a book: F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (New York: Scriber, 2004), 88.

Abbreviate the footnote format for subsequent citations. Once you've provided the publication details initially, there's no need to repeat them. For the second citation of the same source, include only the author's name, title, and page number.

Example of abbreviated footnote format for a book: F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, 92-94.

Refer to 'Ibid.' if you're citing the same source consecutively. Use 'Ibid.' following the abbreviated footnote format for the third citation of the same source in sequence. This informs your reader that you're still referring to the same work.

Example of sequential citations:
1. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (New York: Scriber, 2004), 88.
2. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, 92-94.
3. Ibid.

Include the page numbers if they differ from the abbreviated note. A footnote is required after each sentence where you discuss, paraphrase, or quote a work. If you use 'Ibid.' alone, you're directing readers to the same page number or range as the preceding note. If the subsequent sentence refers to material on a different page, include the page numbers to clarify.

Example of sequential citations with page numbers:
1. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (New York: Scriber, 2004), 88.
2. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, 92-94.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid., 96-98.

Advice: Even if your paper will be in print, ensure that your use of 'Ibid.' doesn't confuse readers. If your sequential citations span two pages, consider including a shortened citation as the first footnote on the second page to aid reader navigation.

Utilizing an Abbreviated Citation

Begin with a complete footnote for your initial citation. Shortened citations are appropriate only after you've provided the full citation, including publication details, at least once. A complete footnote contains all the same details as the bibliography entry, albeit with a different format.

Example of a full footnote style for a book: Ernest Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls (New York: Scribner, 1995), 112.

Utilize solely the author's last name and page number for subsequent citations. According to the guidelines of the 17th edition of CMOS, replace both the intermediate shortened citation and 'Ibid.' with a new shortened form. Simply include the author's last name followed by a comma, then the page number or page range where the material appears. Conclude with a period after the page numbers.

Example of sequential citations using a shortened format:
1. Ernest Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls (New York: Scribner, 1995), 112.
2. Hemingway, 114-116.
3. Hemingway, 122.

Exception: In cases where you have 2 or more works by the same author, always include the titles in your shortened citations to aid reader differentiation.

Provide the title in nonconsecutive shortened citations. Reserve the author and page number citation format for works cited 2 times or more in succession. When there is an intervening note to a different work, include the title as well. Different works by the same author are considered intervening notes.

Example of nonconsecutive shortened citations:
1. Ernest Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls (New York: Scribner, 1995), 120.
2. F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tender Is the Night (New York: Scribner, 1995), 32.
3. Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls, 99-101.
4. Hemingway, 104.
5. Fitzgerald, Tender Is the Night, 73.
6. Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls, 22-27.

Helpful Hints

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct way to cite sources in Chicago style?

In Chicago style, you should use footnotes for citations and include a bibliography. The first citation should be complete, while subsequent citations can be abbreviated. Use 'Ibid.' for consecutive citations from the same source, ensuring clarity.

How should I format a complete footnote citation?

A complete footnote includes the author's first name, title, publication details in parentheses, and the page number. For example: F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (New York: Scribner, 2004), 88.

When should I use 'Ibid.' in footnotes?

You should use 'Ibid.' when citing the same source consecutively. This indicates to the reader that the reference remains the same, simplifying citations. Always include page numbers if they differ.

How do I handle multiple works by the same author?

When citing multiple works by the same author, include the titles in your shortened citations. This helps differentiate between works, particularly if they are cited non-consecutively.

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