Citing Data
In many cases, a data provider will include recommended citation formats (i.e. the ICPSR). Also note that the producers of a particular dataset may request that users of the data cite a publication in which the data are described, rather than citing the dataset (i.e. the Database of Political Institutions).
When a data provider does not recommend a citation format, we recommend these general citation guidelines:
- Author/Principal Investigator
- Year of Publication
- Title of the Data Source
- Edition/Version Number
- Format of the Data Source (e.g. [Computer File], [CD-ROM], [Online], etc.)
- Producer of the Data Source
- Distributor of the Data Source
- URL for the Data Source
Census Data: Census table and maps have their own citation format as described on their website.
