Secondary citations

A secondary citation is where you refer to a source that you haven't read but which is cited in another, more recent source.

You should avoid secondary citations wherever possible; only use them when you are unable to find and read the original (primary) source. You should also only use a secondary citation if you are using a direct quotation or there is significant importance to the original source.

  • Reading the original source is good scholarly practice; it gives you the full context without any reinterpretations.
  • Use the reference list in the secondary source to identify the original source so that you can find it - ask a librarian if you need help with this.

In-text citations

"Whether the formats differ in effectiveness at the conclusion....." (Seamons, 2004, as quoted in Austin & Gustafson, 2006, p. 27).

Hilferty describes the nature of teacher professionalism as “an evolving idea that responds to political, social & historical contexts” (as quoted in Meldrum & Peters, 2012, p. 109).

  • Include the words 'as quoted in' in the in-text citation (or 'as cited in' if it is not a direct quote). This makes it clear that you have used a secondary source.
  • Include the year of publication of the original source if known.
  • When quoting directly, include the page number indicating where the quote appears in the secondary source.
  • Remember that you should use secondary citations sparingly, and only if you are using a direct quotation or there is significant importance to the original source.

Reference list

Austin, A. M., & Gustafson, L. (2006). Impact of course length on student learning. Journal of Economics and Finance Education, 5(1), 26-37.

Meldrum, K., & Peters, J. (2012). Learning to teach health and physical education: The student, the teacher and the curriculum. Pearson Australia.

Notes on style

  • Include only the secondary source in your reference list.
  • Do not include the original source, as your reference list must only include works you have read yourself.