Primary Sources: Examples for Works Cited Lists

Letter (unpublished)

APA No example given in latest edition. Important Elements:
  • Author's name
  • Recipient's name
  • Date written
  • Name of collection
  • Name of depository
  • Depository's location

Note: Spacing is important. For example, compare Chicago, MLA, and Turabian. Consult individual guides for exact spacing.

 
Chicago Rinker, Ella V., and Reuben E. Hammond.  Papers.  Rare Book,
   Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke 
   University, Durham.  (Documentation One and Two)

Note: "Manuscript collections are rarely cited in author-date style.  When they are, however, the date is usually mentioned in text, outside the parentheses, since most collections contain items from various dates.  " If only one item from a collection has been mentioned in text, the entry may begin with the writer's name (if known).   The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th ed., p. 713, 17.233. 

MLA Miller, Ella.  Letter "to Ella V. Rinker."  Mar. 1865.  Ella V. Rinker
         and Reuben E. Hammon Papers.  Rare Book, Manuscript
         and Special Collections Lib., Duke U, Durham.
Turabian Miller, Ella, to Ella V. Rinker, March 1856.  Ella V. Rinker and 
         Reuben E. Hammon Papers.  Rare Book, Manuscript, and
         Special Collections Library, Duke University, Durham,
         North Carolina.

This page is adapted  from Lawton, Kelley A. and Laura Cousineau. "Assembling a List of Works Cited in your Paper." 3 Nov. 2003. Duke University. 22 April, 2004. <http://www.lib.duke.edu/libguide/citing.htm>.

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