View source for Help:References

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== Introduction ==
References, sometimes referred to as "footnotes", are an important method of providing context and factuality to the content of articles. It's important to provide references to the books or other source material so that facts can be confirmed and proven trustworthy. This is particularly true when a strong statement is being made, or when a fact is not well known. This page will tell you everything you need to know about citing references and making notes. 

'''If you are unable to provide references. See the [[#Editorial Notations|Editorial Notations]] section below for other ways you can help.'''

== The Notes Section ==
References are housed in the '''Notes Section''' of an article. As discussed in the [[:Help:Guidelines#Article_Structure|Guidelines]] article, this section is the last section of a page, before the various category tags. To have references made in the body of an article automatically list in the notes section, a reference tag (<code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>) must be used.

Next we'll talk about how to create references.

== Reference Templates ==
The standard method of creating references can get a bit complex—see [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Cite MediaWiki's guidelines] for an overwhelmingly in-depth guide—thus we have simplified this process by creating '''reference templates'''. (Keep in mind that a full knowledge of templates and their function is not necessary for understanding reference templates, however you can find more information regarding them in the [[:Help:Templates|Templates]] article.)

To implement one of these templates you must call it by using the correct wikitext. Templates are easy to spot as they are surrounded by double curly braces (<code>{{</code> and <code>}}</code>), with the '''template name''' as the first '''parameter''', followed by the various other parameters required—all of which are separated by vertical bars (<code>|</code>). The parameters required vary depending on which reference template you choose; and the appropriate template to choose is determined by the type of source being referenced.

There are two types of parameters: named and unnamed. '''Named parameters''', such as <code>text=</code>, can be recognized by their use of an equals sign (<code>=</code>), which is required with a named parameter. The equals sign is followed by your input. '''Unnamed parameters''', which you'll find in all caps in the examples below, should be completely replaced by your input.

:'''Note:''' References at the end of sentences should be placed directly '''after''' the period.

Next we'll list the most common reference templates, the parameters they require, and examples of how to use them. For a complete list of all reference templates see [[:Category:Reference Templates|Reference Templates]].

===Basic Reference Template===
A '''Basic Reference Template''', as the name suggests, is the most basic method of making a reference. This type of reference template should be used when you wish to provide a textual footnote that is not a reference to a particular source, but may be a small note of clarification that does not belong in the body of an article.

;Basic Reference {{t|ref}}
: Looks like: <code><nowiki>{{ref|text=input}}</nowiki></code>, where:
:* <code>ref</code> is the name of the template and is required for this template.
:* <code>text=</code> is a named parameter and is required for this template.
;* <code>input</code> is the input. This is the text you would like to appear in the footnote. This can be anything you want, however for this type of reference it is best to keep it brief.

{| style="width: 100%; text-align: left; margin: auto;" class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Example: Basic Reference Template
|-
| width=50%|'''You Type'''
|'''You Get'''
|-style="background-color: white;"
|<pre>
This is a sentence that needs a reference/footnote.{{ref|text=This is a reference/footnote.}}

== Notes ==
<references />
</pre>
|
This is a sentence that needs a reference/footnote.{{ref|text=This is a reference/footnote.}}

<span style="display: block; font-size: 1.5em; font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0.7em; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1;">Notes</span>
<references />
|}

:'''Note:''' If you need to add a reference that is not strictly text or a specialized reference using one of the reference templates below, it is recommended you use the standard MediaWiki reference tag: <code><nowiki><ref>FOOTNOTE TEXT</ref></nowiki></code> See [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Cite MediaWiki's Cite Guide] for more information on how to use this tag.

=== Book Reference Templates ===
'''Book Reference Templates''' are used to refer to a book written by [[Beth Brower]] that has a corresponding [[:Category:Summary|summary page]]. For all non-Emma M. Lion books, you can use the general book template, which is listed first. However, the [[The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion|''Emma'']] books use a more specific template because of the way they are structured. These templates will automatically generate a footnote that links to that respective book's summary page. 

;General Book {{t|book ref}}
: Looks like: <code><nowiki>{{book ref|BOOK|CHAPTER}}</nowiki></code>, where:
:* <code>book ref</code> is the name of the template and is required for this template.
:* <code>BOOK</code> is the full book name or its accepted [[:Template:Book ref|abbreviation]].
:* <code>CHAPTER</code> is the chapter number, "prologue", or "epilogue".

{| style="width: 100%; text-align: left; margin: auto;" class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Example: General Book Template
|-
| width=50%|'''You Type'''
|'''You Get'''
|-style="background-color: white;"
|<pre>
The Q is located on Gainsford Street.{{book ref|tq|1}}

== Notes ==
<references />
</pre>
|
The Q is located on Gainsford Street.{{book ref|tq|1}}

<span style="display: block; font-size: 1.65em; font-family: serif; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 1em; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1;">Notes</span>
<references />
|}


;Emma M. Lion Book {{t|emma ref}}
: Looks like: <code><nowiki>{{emma ref|BOOK|DATE}}</nowiki></code>, where:
:* <code>emma ref</code> is the name of the template and is required for this template.
:* <code>BOOK</code> is the full book name or its accepted [[:Template:Emma ref|abbreviation]].
:* <code>DATE</code> is the date. All date formats should be accepted.

{| style="width: 100%; text-align: left; margin: auto;" class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Example: Emma M. Lion Template
|-
| width=50%|'''You Type'''
|'''You Get'''
|-style="background-color: white;"
|<pre>
Lapis Lazuli House is located on Whereabouts Lane.{{Emma ref|e1|5 march 1883}}

== Notes ==
<references />
</pre>
|
Lapis Lazuli House is located on Whereabouts Lane.{{Emma ref|e1|5 march 1883}}

<span style="display: block; font-size: 1.65em; font-family: serif; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 1em; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1;">Notes</span>
<references />
|}

=== File Reference Template ===
A '''File Reference Template''' is used to refer to a file hosted by The Reed and Rite, such as artwork or a map.

;General File {{t|file ref}}
: Looks like: <code><nowiki>{{file ref|FILENAME|DESCRIPTION}}</nowiki></code>, where:
:* <code>file ref</code> is the name of the template and is required for this template.
:* <code>FILENAME</code> is the file name, including the extension. (e.g., ".jpg", ".png", etc.)
:* <code>DESCRIPTION</code> is a brief description of the file.

{| style="width: 100%; text-align: left; margin: auto;" class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Example: File Template
|-
| width=50%|'''You Type'''
|'''You Get'''
|-style="background-color: white;"
|<pre>
Located where The Diagonal intersects Sterling Street.{{file ref|Map of St. Crispian's.jpg|St. Crispian's Map}}

== Notes ==
<references />
</pre>
|
Located where The Diagonal intersects Sterling Street.{{file ref|Map of St. Crispian's.jpg|St. Crispian's Map}}

<span style="display: block; font-size: 1.65em; font-family: serif; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 1em; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1;">Notes</span>
<references />
|}

=== Additional Parameters ===
Most reference templates can make use of additional parameters not mentioned above. Visit the template pages to learn about these other parameter options, if needed.

== Named References ==
If you are using the same reference multiple times in the same article, it can be useful to create a '''Named Reference'''. This will allow you to "nickname" a reference, and then call it again by using the nickname instead of writing out the whole template every time. To do this, append an additional named parameter (<code>|name=</code>) at the end of the first usage of the reference template, assigning it a nickname as your input. Then for all additional uses of the named reference, use the basic <code><nowiki>{{ref}}</nowiki></code> tag with the <code>name=</code> parameter to call it.

{| style="width: 100%; text-align: left; margin: auto;" class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Example: Named Reference
|-
| width=50%|'''You Type'''
|'''You Get'''
|-style="background-color: white;"
|<pre>
Queen Eleanor studies papers of state in the garden.{{book ref|qg|1|name=qg1}}

She is approached by a stranger.{{ref|name=qg1}}

== Notes ==
<references />
</pre>
|
Queen Eleanor studies papers of state in the garden.{{book ref|qg|1|name=qg1}}

She is approached by a stranger.{{ref|name=qg1}}

<span style="display: block; font-size: 1.65em; font-family: serif; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 1em; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1;">Notes</span>
<references />
|}


===Alternate Method===
Alternatively, you can reserve the full length reference template for the Notes section and only use the named reference(s) in the article body. To do this, in the Notes Section, you will need to replace the <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code> tag with <code><nowiki></references></nowiki></code>, and add a <code><nowiki><references></nowiki></code> tag above it. Then, put all of your long citations (with names added) between the two. See the example below for this alternative method in action.

{| style="width: 100%; text-align: left; margin: auto;" class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Example: Alternate Named Reference Method
|-
| width=50%|'''You Type'''
|'''You Get'''
|-style="background-color: white;"
|<pre>
Emma M. Lion arrived in London.{{ref|name=5 March}}

She moved into Lapis Lazuli House.{{ref|name=5 March}}

== Notes ==
<references>
{{Emma ref|e1|5 march 1883|name=5 March}}
</references>
</pre>
|
Emma M. Lion arrived in London.{{ref|name=5 March}}

She moved into Lapis Lazuli House.{{ref|name=5 March}}

<span style="display: block; font-size: 1.65em; font-family: serif; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 1em; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1;">Notes</span>
<references>
{{Emma ref|e1|5 march 1883|name=5 March}}
</references>
|}

== Editorial Notations ==
Not sure about a particular reference or are a bit daunted by reference templates? No worries! You can still help out by identifying statements that may need some attention. Just insert the following templates, exactly as shown, after the statement. Using these tags will automatically generate a category tag, indicating to other editors that that page needs referencing attention.

{| style="width: 100%; text-align: left; margin: auto;" class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" style="text-align: center; font-size: 120%;" | Editorial Notations
|-
! width=15%| Tag
! width=10%|Symbol
! style="text-align: left;"| Description 
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Request Citation'''
| style="text-align: center;" | {{t|Cite}}
| Acts as a placeholder for future citation. It lets others know that the preceding fact needs a reference. Automatically adds the article to [[:Category: Articles in Need of Citations]]. 
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Request Clarification'''
| style="text-align: center;" | {{t|Clarify}}
| Lets others know that the preceding statement is unclear and needs some work. Automatically adds the article to [[:Category: Articles in Need of Clarification]].
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Disputed Warning'''
| style="text-align: center;" | {{t|disputed}}
| Warns the reader that the preceding information may be incorrect or unverified. If you see something that doesn't sound correct (especially if it has no reference), use this. Automatically adds the article to [[:Category: Articles with Disputed Content]].
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Expand Notice'''
| style="text-align: center;" | {{t|expand}}
| Lets others know that the section or statement with this template requires expansion. Automatically adds the article to [[:Category: Articles Missing Information]].
|}
;Request Citation — {{t|cite}}
: <code><nowiki>{{cite}}</nowiki></code> acts as a placeholder for future citation. It lets others know that the preceding fact needs a reference.

;Request Clarification — {{t|clarify}}
: <code><nowiki>{{clarify}}</nowiki></code> lets others know that the preceding statement is unclear and needs some work.

;Disputed Warning — {{t|disputed}}
: <code><nowiki>{{disputed}}</nowiki></code> warns the reader that the preceding information may be incorrect or unverified. If you see something that doesn't sound correct (especially if it has no reference), use this.

;Expand Notice — {{t|expand}}
: <code><nowiki>{{expand}}</nowiki></code> lets others know that the section or statement with this template requires expansion.


{| style="width: 50%; margin: auto; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;" class="wikitable"
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| style="width: 33.33%; vertical-align: middle;" | ❮ [[Help: Markup|Markup]]
| style="width: 33.33%; vertical-align: middle;" | [[Help: References|References]]
| style="width: 33.33%; vertical-align: middle;" | [[Help: Images|Images]] ❯ 
|}

[[Category:Help]]