Introduction

This article explains how to identify, distinguish and find references for books, book chapters and journal articles.

What is a reading list?

A reading list is a list of references required for your course.

Your lecturer will normally make your readings available via eReserve. You can find out more about eReserve here. Alternatively, you may be given a reading list in a document.

Here is an example of a reading list

Bechler, C., Tormala, Z., & Rucker, D. (2019). Perceiving attitude change: How qualitative shifts augment change perception. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 82, 160–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2019.02.001 (psychology journal article)

Delbourgo, J. (2019). The knowing world: A new global history of science. History of Science, 57(3), 373–399. https://doi.org/10.1177/0073275319831582

Kornicki, P. (2018). The Chinese Buddhist Canon and Other Buddhist Texts. In Languages, scripts, and Chinese texts in East Asia. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198797821.003.0009

O’Doherty, K., Osbeck, L., Schraube, E., & Yen, J. (2019). Psychological Studies of Science and Technology (1st ed. 2019.). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25308-0One"

What are the Differences?

Here are the differences between book, book chapter and journal article references. For more information, check out this video.

This is a Book Reference

Authors surnames and initial - Hall, comma space S dot, comma space & Norman, comma space P dot Publication year - bracket (2020)dot bracket Italicised Book title - Advanced research skills for uni students dot Edition number where applicable - Bracket (2nd ed dot bracket)dot Publisher - Library Publishing dot Digital object identifier where available - https://doi.org/10.1002/example

This is an Edited Book Chapter Reference

Authors surnames, initials. Natour,comma space S dot comma & Norman,comma space P dot Publication year bracket (2020)bracket dot Chapter title Writing a literature review. dot Editors In S dot space Hall & M dot space Harrison bracket (Eds.),dot bracket comma Italicised book title Research skills for uni students dot Page numbers of chapter bracket (pp dot 111-dash 127)bracket dot Publisher Library Publishing dot Digital object identifier where available https://doi.org/10.1002/example2

This is a Journal Article Reference

Author surname and initial. Norman, comma space P dot Publication year. Bracket (2020). bracket dot Article title Introducing research skills for uni studentsdot Italicised journal title. Journal of Sydney University Library, comma Volume number, issue number and page number range of full article 2 bracket (1) bracket comma space 121- dash space 134. dot Digital object identifier where available https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.2099.

Test your knowledge of reading list items

Read this reference example:

Nabavi, M., & Olson, D. (2019). Introduction to business analytics (First edition.). New York, NY: Business Expert Press.

Is it a Book, Edited Book Chapter or Journal Article Reference?

Choose your answer from the drop down menu below

How do I find items on my reading list?

Here are a few ways to find items on your reading list.

Advanced Library Search

Using the Advanced Library Search, select “Title” under the “Any field” drop-down.

If you're looking for a reading, search for the title in double quotation marks, then locate it using the year, volume and issue details.

Google Scholar

Use Google Scholar and search for the full reference. Tip: make sure you have set up the Library links so you can access full-text articles/items. Check out this PDF for more info.