University libraries

The aim is to make a clear distinction between :

• what you express yourself (original ideas),
• what is taken from a document, video (or other) and rephrased
• what is extracted from a document (exact quotation)

Reference to a written document takes several forms:

Short quotation from an extract :

• write the exact text between quotation marks
• indicate the original source precisely and obligatorily

Translation :

• indicate the original source precisely and obligatorily
• specify who translated it (yourself or an author)

Summary or paraphrase :

• reformulate a concept or an author's thought: you can use the author's words in quotation marks or italics.
• indicate the original source precisely and obligatorily

Method

Two main techniques are used to mention the source of a quotation. They correspond to different systems:

• Notes:

In the text, we insert a (numbered) footnote, generally at the bottom of the page, specifying the origin of what we have quoted in quotation marks or rephrased (indicating the precise page).
The reference is included in the final bibliography, which lists all the documents used in the text.
This practice is common in the arts, languages, humanities and social sciences.

• The Author-date system :

In the text, after the quotation or repeated idea, insert the author's name and the year of the source used, in brackets or square brackets.
The full, precise reference (including page) is given in the final bibliography.

• Variants are available:

"* label, where the citation call in the text takes the form of a label of the type [Guid15]".
"* numerical, where the citation in the text takes the form of a number (n) or square brackets [n]".
from "Rational Bibliographic: guide to writing bibliographic references" (Version 1.00) CC BY-SA October 2019 - EPFL Library, p.8. Download link and PDF

In all casesA certain number of elements are mandatory for easy reference retrieval, including :

• statement of responsibility: author(s), director, scientific editor...
• title: of article, chapter, contribution and title of journal or book
• edition (if not a first edition)
• publisher (and city)
• year, publication date (consultation date for a web page)
• pagination, media type...

The layout, mandatory and optional elements vary according to the type of document and its medium.

These differences in presentation are known as "bibliographic styles". They are also referred to as standards (e.g. APA and ISO standards).
See the pdf document " editorial board "