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Harvard

Guide to citing in this author-date style for ACU students.

Harvard

Please note, this guide will be discontinued after June 2026. From this date, the library will no longer support Harvard referencing style.

About Harvard referencing

Harvard is a generic term for any author-date referencing system, with no official connection to Harvard University. ACU's Harvard referencing style is based on the 6th edition of the Snooks & Co. Style Manual published in 2002, which predates many contemporary source types students now cite, such as AI tools, digital datasets, podcasts, preprints, social media and code repositories.

Before you begin

Always check with your tutor, lecturer, or supervisor for the required referencing style in your unit. If you have a choice, we recommend APA as a modern, well-supported author-date system. For more information, see the APA referencing guide or contact us.

Harvard referencing

These examples are based on: Snooks & Co 2002, Style manual: for authors, editors and printers, 6th edn, Wiley, Sydney.

Key formatting rules

  • The title of books, journals, or webpages are always in italics.
  • Include the edition number (shortened to "edn") if not the first or only edition.
  • For multiple authors check the author layout table for in-text and reference list format.
  • Check the sample reference list for guidance on the complete list.

Further support

Visit the Academic Skills Unit or guides on referencing basics, academic integrity and academic writing. Book a workshop or a consultation for personalised help.