Documentation conventions for different genres
Genre |
Documentation convention |
Reason |
essay, article, or scientific report |
Typically in a works cited or reference list at the end of the essay |
For an author to show that she or he has done research and thoroughly explored the topic For others to access this original work that the author consulted |
slide show presentation |
At the very end, embedded in a separate slide typically called “sources” or “works cited” |
For an author to show that she or he has done research and thoroughly explored the topic For others to access this original work that the author consulted To give credit and provide information for video clips, music, and other material produced by someone other than the presentation’s composer |
song lyrics |
Usually in the liner notes, where the artist gives formal credit or points toward permission to use copyrighted lyrics |
To give credit to the original author of the lyrics or text being set to music. |
music |
Usually in the liner notes, where the artist gives formal credit or points toward permission to use copyrighted music |
To give credit to the original artist or composer |
full-length movie |
At the very end, embedded within what are typically called the “closing credits” |
To list cast and crew To provide location information and acknowledge the help of that community To include complete names and artists for songs used in the movie For major motion pictures, there are strict standards regarding who gets credited and in what order. |
short video |
At the very end, embedded within what are typically called the “credits” |
For an author to show that she or he has done research and thoroughly explored the topic For others to access this original work that the author consulted To give credit and provide information for video clips, music, and other material produced by someone other than the video’s composer |
news broadcast |
Usually mentioned by the reporter orally within the story itself Can be a mention of a story from another news source Can be credit given to an ordinary citizen rather than a news organization or reporter |
For the station or reporter to give credit to the original person who broke the story or provided the information To include more perspectives and viewpoints in a story |