Citing the Same Source Multiple Times in Footnotes: A Guide Using the Chicago Manual of Style
Introduction
Citing sources multiple times in footnotes efficiently requires a clear understanding of the guidelines set forth by the Chicago Manual of Style. The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is a trusted and widely recognized authority in academic writing. This guide will walk you through the process of citing the same source multiple times using CMS, addressing common queries and providing examples.Recommending the Ultimate Resource
For those seeking comprehensive guidance on writing research papers, the Kate Turabian manual, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, is an invaluable resource. Although Kate Turabian is no longer with us, her work remains a cornerstone in academic writing. The manual covers not only footnotes but also bibliographical entries.Distinguishing Between Footnote and Bibiliographical Entries
While footnotes and bibliographical entries serve similar purposes, they are distinct and require different formatting. Footnotes provide direct references to the source within the text, while bibliographical entries list all sources at the end of the document. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper citation.Citing the Same Author Multiple Times
When using the same author's work multiple times, the CMS recommends the use of the term idem(idem) for male authors and ibidem(ibid.) for female authors. However, it is important to note that this method is only applicable if the works by the same author are uninterrupted in the sequence of footnotes. Here’s an example:Smith (2019) argues that...
Smith (2020) posits that...
The second footnote would then use the idem method:Idem (2020) further elaborates that...
If there is an intervening work by a different author, the complete citation (author and date) must be used:Smith (2019) states that...
Mortensen (2021) takes a different view that...
Idem (2021) continues to argue that...
Transitioning from Op. Cit.
In past editions, the term op. cit. was often used to refer to previously cited sources. However, the newer editions of the Chicago Manual of Style advise using short-form citations including the author's name and year of publication for clarity. The use of op. cit. is falling into disuse, though its complete rejection is a matter of debate. Here is an example of a short-form citation:Smith (2019) provides an in-depth analysis that...
Smith (2020) further discusses the implications that...
In the second footnote, you would use the author's name and the publication year:
Smith (2020) explicates that...