How to Cite an Anonymous Author in Harvard Format
Citing an anonymous author in the Harvard referencing style can be a bit tricky, but it’s essential to follow the correct guidelines to ensure academic integrity and to provide readers with the necessary information to locate the source. In this article, we will explore the steps on how to cite an anonymous author in Harvard format, including in-text citations and reference list entries.
In-text Citation
When citing an anonymous source in the text, you should include the year of publication in parentheses, followed by the word “n.d.” if the year is not available. The format for in-text citations is as follows:
– For direct quotes: (Author, year, n.d.)
– For paraphrased information: (Author, year, n.d.)
For example:
– According to a recent study (Author, 2020, n.d.), the impact of climate change on global food security is undeniable.
– The report states that the company is planning to expand its operations (Author, n.d.).
Reference List Entry
In the reference list, you should provide the source title, the word “n.d.” to indicate the absence of a publication date, and the publisher (if available). The format for a reference list entry is as follows:
– For a book: Author. (Year, n.d.). Title of the book. Publisher.
– For an article: Author. (Year, n.d.). Title of the article. Title of the journal, volume(issue number), page numbers.
For example:
– Author. (2020, n.d.). The impact of climate change on global food security. Climate Change Journal, 1(1), 45-58.
– Author. (n.d.). Company expansion plans. Annual Report.
Additional Tips
– If the source is an online article, include the URL or DOI in the reference list entry.
– If the source is a government publication, include the agency or organization name in the reference list entry.
– Always double-check the formatting guidelines provided by your institution or publisher to ensure you are following the correct Harvard referencing style.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite an anonymous author in Harvard format and maintain the integrity of your academic work.
