We’re glad you’d like to use our collections in your project! When using our resources, we ask that you:
- Notify us of your intended use
- Seek our permission if we own the copyright
- Cite the resources
Whenever using published or historical sources in your writing, research, film, or other project, you are expected to cite your sources. Different citation styles provide guidance on how to format this information.
Citation styles
Frequently used citation styles include Chicago, MLA, and APA.
Citing books and publications
Books and formal publications found in our collections can be cited using the instructions from any style guide.
Citing unpublished and unique items
Most style guides provide directions on how to cite unpublished items or other materials found in archives. Chicago is frequently used for citing archival resources.
Most of the items in the Department consist of unique items that are unpublished or not widely distributed. In these cases we may hold the only copy, or one of only a few copies in the world.
As the only location were these items may be found, it is especially important to fully credit the item and where it is located.
Required elements
Special Collections and University Archives requires that the following elements appear whenever citing or using our unpublished resources, regardless of citation style chosen:
- Collection name and number
- Object number when it exists
- Department name: Special Collections and University Archives Department
- University: University of Nevada, Reno
Citing just the Department without collection and object information is insufficient. The required elements listed here must be used every time, with the exception of temporary exhibits or displays where citing the department and collection will suffice.
Citation example
Most of the required elements for citing unpublished materials such as manuscripts can be found in our collection guides, the digital object description, or on the physical container the item is housed in.
Pictured: Page 23 of Annual Report of Agricultural Extension Work (Project 2 A) for 1927. Max C. Fleischmann College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service Records (AC 0089), AC0089_2_1, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno.