Indirect citations
An indirect citation is where you refer to a source that you haven't read but which is cited in another, more recent source that you have read (known as the indirect source).
You should avoid indirect citations wherever possible; only use them when you are unable to find and read the original (primary) source. You should also only use an indirect citation if you are using a direct quotation.
- Reading the original source is good scholarly practice; it gives you the full context without any reinterpretations.
- The Works Cited list in the indirect source may help you to identify the original source so that you can find it and read ut. Ask a librarian if you need help with this.
In-text citations
Hilferty describes the nature of teacher professionalism as "an evolving idea that responds to political, social & historical contexts" (qtd. in Meldrum and Peters 109).
- Include the abbreviation 'qtd. in' at the start of the in-text citation. This makes it clear that you have used an indirect source.
- When quoting directly, include the page number indicating where the quotation appears in the indirect source.Works Cited
Works Cited
Meldrum, Kathryn, and Jacqui Peters. Learning to Teach Health and Physical Education: The Student, the Teacher and the Curriculum. Pearson Australia, 2012.
- Include only the indirect source in your Works Cited list.
- Do not include the original source, as your Works Cited list should only include works you have read yourself.