How to Cite a Dataset in Turabian (9th Edition)

This guide explains how to format a dataset citation in Turabian (9th Edition). Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a dataset in Turabian (9th Edition):

Template

Note: Author/Organization, Title of Dataset, version (Distributor, Year), URL. Bibliography: Author/Organization. Title of Dataset. Version. Distributor, Year. URL.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

1. World Bank, World Development Indicators (The World Bank Group, 2023), https://doi.org/10.57966/0bg5-6z29.

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

World Bank. World Development Indicators. The World Bank Group, 2023. https://doi.org/10.57966/0bg5-6z29.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
Use the person or organization name. In notes: standard order. In bibliography: inverted for individual authors.
2
Write the dataset title
Italicize the title using headline-style capitalization.
3
Add the distributor and year
In notes, place in parentheses. In bibliography, write after a period.
4
Include version if applicable
Add the version number after the title if multiple versions exist.
5
Add URL or DOI
Include the full URL or DOI where the dataset can be accessed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not italicizing the dataset title.
Omitting the distributor or repository name.
Forgetting to include the DOI or URL.
Using the wrong name order in notes vs. bibliography.
Omitting the version number when multiple versions exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Turabian handle dataset citations?

Turabian treats datasets as a type of online source or report. Follow the notes-bibliography format with the dataset title italicized and the distributor serving as publisher.

Should I italicize the dataset title?

Yes. Treat dataset titles like book titles in Turabian: italicized with headline-style capitalization.

Do I include the access date?

Turabian recommends including the access date for online sources that may change. For stable datasets with DOIs, it is less critical.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your dataset:

Author/Creator
Title
Version
Publisher/Repository
Year
DOI/URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the creator

Use the person or organization name. In notes: standard order. In bibliography: inverted for individual authors.

Write the dataset title

Italicize the title using headline-style capitalization.

Add the distributor and year

In notes, place in parentheses. In bibliography, write after a period.

Include version if applicable

Add the version number after the title if multiple versions exist.

Add URL or DOI

Include the full URL or DOI where the dataset can be accessed.