what should you do if you need to cite a book for which you don't know the author?
What do you do when the author can't be found? How do you cite the book?
Would use just the title of the book or explain that the info is missing?
What style manual are you using? MLA, APA? The style manual should have a way to do that.
http://aus.libguides.com/apa-no-author-date
This how APA does it. If you are using another guide, check the appropriate manual.
If you need to cite a book but do not know the author's name, you can follow these steps to find the necessary information:
1. Check the title page: Open the book and look for the title page, usually found at the beginning. The author's name is typically listed here. If you cannot find it, move on to the next step.
2. Look for an introduction or foreword: Some books may have an introduction or foreword written by a different author. In this case, you can use the name of the person who wrote the introduction as the author for your citation. Make sure to specify their role in the citation (e.g., "Introduction by [name]").
3. Search for book reviews: Use search engines or online book databases to find reviews or summaries of the book. Reviewers often mention the author's name in their analysis, allowing you to discover the missing information.
4. Consult library catalogs or databases: Library catalogs, such as WorldCat or your institution's library database, may have records with complete book details, including the author's name. Search for the book using the title or ISBN/ISSN number to find this information.
5. Seek assistance from a librarian: If you have exhausted all the above methods and still cannot find the author's name, reach out to a librarian. They have vast resources and expertise to help you track down the necessary information.
Remember, accurate and complete citations are essential for academic integrity. Try your best to locate the author's name, as it is an important component of citing sources correctly.