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ACS - Referencing Guide

Personal Communications

Information

 Personal communications include

  • AI generated text  e.g. ChatGPT
  • conversations
  • electronic bulletin boards
  • emails
  • interviews
  • letters
  • memos
  • messages from discussion lists
  • online chats
  • personal interviews
  • telephone conversations
  • text messages

• An entry should be given in the reference list for any form of personal communication.

• Details should include:

  • The name of the person who is the source of your information.
  • Any academic or professional affiliation.
  • The year of the communication.
  • Additional information about the date of the communication can be given if known.

Follow the In Text Citation Guidelines for Citing Personal Communication when referring to a personal communication in text.

Format

Standard format for citation

#. Author, A. A. Affiliation, Location of Affiliated Institution as City, State. Personal communication, Year.

Examples

1. Saul, B. J. Chemistry Department, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Personal communication, 2002.