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References & Citations: Harvard

Tips and resources to help you to compile and manage references.

Harvard format for referencing a journal article

Murphy, J.P., 2014. Cognitive therapy in young adults with schizophrenia. Journal of Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 24(2), pp 123-34. DOI: 10.0142/1.2

Harvard format for referencing a book or report

Vincent, C., 2001. Clinical risk management: enhancing patient safety. 3rd ed. London: BMJ Books.

Notes about the Harvard system

The Harvard referencing style is perhaps the best-known of all referencing styles. It is also the style most commonly used within the HSE.

In the Harvard referencing style the year goes directly after the author’s name (Murphy, J.P., 2014). Initials are separated by full stops without spaces. The publication title is given in full and italicized (Journal of Early Intervention in Psychiatry).

In a Harvard reference list, all items are listed alphabetically by author. Where there is more than one publication by an author, list them chronologically. If the author has several publications in a given year, list them with an 'a' after the first publication cited, a 'b' after the second etc,  i.e. Murphy, J.P., 2014a, Murphy, J.P., 2014b, Murphy, J.P., 2014c etc.

DOIs should be listed at the end of a reference. If no DOI is available, give the URL and date of access in square brackets, e.g. [accessed 12 March 2014]

Harvard format for referencing an online article

Cullen, P., 2015. Irish scientists find link between obesity and immune system [online] (Tuesday May 26, 2015). Available at http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/irish-scientists-find-link-between-obesity-and-immune-system-1.2225692 [Accessed 28 May 2015].

Harvard format for referencing Twitter posts

Health Service Executive, 2015. 'Hay fever affects around 20% of people. It can't be [...]'. Twitter post, 11 August. Available at https://twitter.com/HSElive/status/631067665759629312.

HSE Library, Health Service Executive. Dr. Steevens' Library, Dr. Steevens' Hospital, Dublin 8. D08 W2A8 Tel: 01-6352555/8. Email: hselibrary@hse.ie

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