Citing a Chapter in a Multivolume in APA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 10/18/2024

Citing a chapter within a volume of a multivolume work in APA format involves several key components. Each citation format varies slightly depending on whether the volume within the series has its own title or not. This article outlines the necessary elements to include and provides structured examples and guidelines to ensure correct citation format.

CITING A CHAPTER IN A MULTIVOLUME WORK WITHOUT A VOLUME TITLE

When citing a chapter from a multivolume work without a unique volume title, the citation should include the series title, volume number, and relevant page numbers. Follow the specific format outlined below for clarity:

KEY CITATION ELEMENTS

• Chapter Author(s): Begin the citation with the author(s) of the chapter. Which could be an individual or organization responsible for Begin with the chapter author(s), which could be an individual or organization responsible for the chapter. List individuals by last name and initials, or use the full name of the organization. Separate names with commas and use an ampersand (&) before the final author’s name, following the order in which authors appear in the source.
• Publication Year: After the authors, include the publication year in parentheses. Place a period immediately after the closing parenthesis.
• Chapter Title: Write the chapter title in sentence case, capitalizing only the first word of the title, the first word after a colon or em dash, and any proper nouns. Do not italicize the chapter title, as it is part of a larger work, and place a period at the end.
• Editors: Introduce the editors with the word “In,” followed by the initials and surnames of each editor. Use an ampersand (&) before the last editor’s name if there are multiple editors. After the editors’ names, add the abbreviation “(Ed.)” for a single editor or “(Eds.)” for multiple editors, followed by a comma. This designation clarifies the role of the editors in the context of the cited work.
• Series Title: The series title represents the overarching work, indicating that the cited chapter is part of a larger collection. Italicize this title to distinguish it as a significant work in its own right.
• Edition Number: If the work is not in its first edition, include the edition number (e.g., “3rd ed.”) before the volume details. This should be placed in parentheses directly following the series title to provide clarity on the edition being referenced.
• Volume Information: After the edition, list the volume number within the same parentheses. This placement reinforces that the citation refers to a specific volume within a larger, multi-volume series.
• Page Range: Include the chapter’s page range, using the abbreviation “pp.” for clarity. Including page numbers allows readers to locate the exact chapter within the volume, ensuring precise identification of the source material.
• Publisher: List the publisher’s name immediately following the volume and page details.
• DOI or URL: If the chapter has an associated DOI, include it at the end of the citation. If no DOI is available but a stable URL exists, use the URL instead.

CITATION EXAMPLE FOR CHAPTER IN A MULTIVOLUME WORK WITHOUT A VOLUME TITLE

CITING A CHAPTER IN A MULTIVOLUME WORK WITH A VOLUME TITLE

When the volume within the series has its own title, both the series title and the specific volume title should be included in the citation. 

KEY CITATION ELEMENTS

• Chapter Author(s): Begin the citation with the chapter author(s), which may be individuals or an organization responsible for the chapter. List individual authors by last name followed by initials, or use the full name of the organization. Separate multiple authors with commas, and place an ampersand (&) before the final author’s name. Follow the order in which the authors appear in the source.
• Publication Year: After the authors, include the publication year in parentheses, placing a period immediately after the closing parenthesis.
• Chapter Title: Write the chapter title in sentence case, capitalizing only the first word of the title, the first word following a colon or em dash, and any proper nouns. Do not italicize the chapter title, as it is part of a larger work, and end it with a period.
• Editors: Introduce the editors with the word “In,” followed by the initials and surnames of each editor. If there are multiple editors, use an ampersand (&) before the last editor’s name. After listing the editors, add “(Ed.)” for a single editor or “(Eds.)” for multiple editors, followed by a comma to clarify their role in the cited work.
• Series Title: Italicize the series title to highlight its significance as part of a larger collection.
• Volume Information: Following the edition number, include the volume number in the same parentheses. This indicates that the citation refers to a specific volume within a multi-volume series.
• Volume Title: After the series title, use a colon and then italicize the volume title. Ensure both titles are clearly differentiated to reflect the specific work within the broader series.
• Edition Number: If the work is not in its first edition, include the edition number (e.g., “3rd ed.”) before the volume details. This should be placed in parentheses immediately following the series title for clarity.
• Page Range: Indicate the chapter’s page range using the abbreviation “pp.” This allows readers to locate the exact chapter within the volume, ensuring precise identification of the source material.
• Publisher: List the publisher’s name directly after the volume and page details.
• DOI or URL: If the chapter has an associated DOI, include it at the end of the citation. If no DOI is available, use a stable URL instead.

CITATION EXAMPLE FOR CHAPTER IN A MULTIVOLUME WORK WITH A VOLUME TITLE

Use Proper Abbreviations: Ensure that you use standard abbreviations correctly in your citation. For example, use “Vol.” for volume and “pp.” for page numbers. This helps maintain clarity and consistency in your references. Check the Editors’ Names: When citing multiple editors, verify the spelling of their names and their order in the citation. If an editor’s name is hyphenated, ensure it is formatted correctly. This attention to detail adds professionalism to your citation. Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your citation. This includes font style, size, and spacing. Ensure that the title of the series and volume is italicized, and the chapter title is in sentence case. Referencing Edition Information: If the work has gone through several editions, confirm that you are referencing the correct edition. Mention the edition number only if it is not the first edition to provide clarity and avoid confusion. Include URLs for Online Sources: If the chapter is available online, always include the DOI or a stable URL at the end of the citation. This allows readers to easily access the source material and enhances the credibility of your reference. Adhere to Sentence Case for Titles: When writing the chapter title and volume title, use sentence case, which means only the first word of the title, the first word after a colon or em dash, and any proper nouns should be capitalized. Avoid capitalizing every major word, as this is not in accordance with APA style guidelines. This approach ensures consistency and clarity in your citations.