Living Library

Below are examples of how to cite a personal communication in common citation styles.If you do not have the living book's name, you can use the living book's title as a replacement.  

APA

In-Text Citation: 

(J. Smith, personal communication, August 15, 2009)

Reference List:  

“Because they do not provide recoverable data, personal communications are not included in the reference list. Cite personal communication in text only. Give the initials as well as the surname of the communicator, and provide as exact date as possible.”

See also:

Sec. 6.20, APA Manual  

MLA

In-Text Citation: 

Use a signal phrase or the interviewees name e.g. (Smith) OR "In an interview with Smith..."

Reference List:  

Include your name as the interviewer.  Smith, Susan. Interview. By Laksamee Putnam. 22 Oct. 2002.

See also:

MLA Style Center

Chicago (Author-Date)

In-Text Citation: 

(Jennifer Galbraith, Interview) 

Reference List:  

“Reference list entries are unneeded, though each person cited must be fully identified elsewhere in the text."

See also:

Sec. 14.218 and 15.48, Chicago Manual 

Chicago (Notes- Bibliography)

In-Text Citation: 

1. Bill Smith, interview by author, Putnam, LA, February 18, 2016.

Reference List:  

Cite an unpublished interview only in notes.

See also:

Sec. 14.218 and 15.48, Chicago Manual 

CSE

In-Text Citation: 

(2016 conversation between M Jackson and me; unreferenced)

Reference List:  

“CSE recommends placing references to personal communications such as letters, conversations, lectures, and presentations within the running text, not as formal references.”

See also:

Sec. 29.3.7.15.3, CSE manual 

ACS

In-Text Citation: 

(Smith, 2015)  

Reference List:  

Jordan, M. T. University Union, Towson University, Towson, MD. Personal communication, 2015.

See also:

P. 316, ACS Style Guide