Numbered citations

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Is there an “easy” way to use numbered citations instead of (author, date) format?  This would also need to apply to the creation of the bibliography as well.

Here’s hoping!

 

Chuck Billow

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CWBillow wrote:

Is there an “easy” way to use numbered citations instead of (author, date) format?  This would also need to apply to the creation of the bibliography as well.

Yes, I think it is an easy way and it is easy to update. I used this for writing my scientific papers. The method uses the Cross Reference links and a numbered list in Word.
Brief summary of how:
First create the numbered list of reference items at the end of the document which will be the bibliography. I created a custom number format [1] to look like a classic bibliography numbering.
Back in the document writing when I get to a place where I want to enter the citation I select Insert tab > Links > Cross-reference which opens the Cross-reference window. The Cross-reference window will open so Numbered item is in the Reference type box, Paragraph number is in the Insert reference to box, and Insert as hyperlink box is checked (all of these are the default settings). Your bibliography numbered list will be in the box below for you to select which numbered item you want. I make this step even easier by creating a keyboard shortcut to open the Cross-reference window directly.
The number will appear where you inserted it. Clicking that number will take you to that reference at the end of the document. This is a linked bibliography.

With this method:
I create my numbered bibliography
As I write and reach the place to place the citation I enter the keyboard shortcut, select the numbered reference from the list, and continue with my writing.
This as easy as I can get it.

I have not written detailed instructions for doing this (didn’t think that many would have the need). If the above brief instructions are not enough for you to follow let me know and I’ll write more detailed instructions for you.

HTH, Dana:))

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Mr. Austin

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Dana, I can be a real slow study, but I’ll give what you’ve written a shot, and for sure get back to you with questions and/or thanks’.

Chuck

Chuck Billow

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You might find that in Word 2019 and after. I’ve used a similar feature to created numbered, sequential footnotes. There will be Word help file entries about it. In the footnotes I was also able to create hyperlinks to sections of the footnote text.

Human, who sports only naturally-occurring DNA ~ oneironaut ~ broadcaster

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Cool!  Thanks

Chuck Billow

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The really neat thing about using this method, which is actually a field function, is that you can make it update when you need to edit. Example: After making the bibliography number list and after assigning the correct number (reference) for each citation you need to delete one reference which was number[2]. If you delete [2] from the number list it will cause all the references after [2] to change (ie. [3] becomes [2], [4] becomes [3] and so on.), Now the bibliography number for those references at the end of each citation in the text points to the wrong reference. No problem. Since these are field function you can make the numbers in the text update the change in the list and change their number to point their original reference with the new number. To Update fields: Press Ctrl + A to select everything in the document and then press F9.
Also, if you don’t want the bibliography numbers in the text to be a hyperlink to that reference in the bibliography list (and be like printed text) uncheck the box for Insert as hyperlink in the Cross-reference window.

HTH, Dana:))

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Mr. Austin

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It looks like if I use the Vancouver reference style it will give me what I need.  Is that style acceptable for nonfiction?

Chuck Billow

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CWBillow wrote:

It looks like if I use the Vancouver reference style it will give me what I need. Is that style acceptable for nonfiction?

Depends on what the publication the work is for requires or specifies for all work submitted. Here’s an authoritative quote from Vancouver Island University’s library:

Please keep in mind each scholarly journal or publisher sets standards for referencing expectations. Modifications in style may occur for reasons such as editorial board preferences or limitations in publication space. As such, when seeking publication always refer to the specific guidelines for the journal or publisher.

And here’s the web page it’s extracted from with the rest of the information regarding the Vancouver Style: https://library.viu.ca/citing/vancouver

I hope this helps!

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CWBillow

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Sure does.  Thanks, Bob.

Chuck Billow

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