The School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry recommends that citations to social media be included in the footnotes and bibliography.
Chicago conversely says that citations to social media can usually be limited to the text. A note may be added if a more formal citation is needed. In rare cases, a bibliography entry may also be appropriate.
Comments or replies the post are usually mentioned in the text.
Because social media can be changed and deleted, retain copies of cited posts.
Private content, including direct messages, is considered a form of personal communication and should be cited as such (14.106).
| Type | Format |
|---|---|
| Elements of citation |
Author -- Text of the post up to 280 characters -- Name of the social media platform -- Time/Date -- URL |
| Footnote |
13. Caillan Davenport (@DrCDavenport), "Happy New Year! Kick off 2018 with my new article @ConversationEDU Who was Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings?" Twitter, 1:35 p.m., 31 Dec 2017, https://twitter.com/DrCDavenport/status/947582098956697601. |
| Bibliography |
Davenport, Caillan. "Happy New Year! Kick off 2018 with my new article @ConversationEDU Who was Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings?" Twitter, 1:35 p.m., 31 Dec 2017, https://twitter.com/DrCDavenport/status/947582098956697601. |
| EndNote reference type |
As Chicago recommends for citations to be limited to the text, there is no social media reference type (in the Endnote style tested by the Library). In the output styles template for Chicago 18th, the reference type will need to be activated and designed. |