To cite an image found within a book, you typically cite the book itself where the image appears and include the page number in your in-text citation to specifically point to the image's location.
When you use an image that is published within a larger work like a book, the focus of your citation is usually on the source where you found the image, rather than treating the image as an independent work. As the reference states: "You cite the source type that the image is contained within - for example, if you are citing an image in a book, cite the book itself and provide a page number in your in-text citation."
Here's a breakdown of the process:
Citing Images from a Book
The fundamental principle is straightforward: treat the image citation as a standard citation of the book it came from, with the crucial addition of the page number where the image can be found.
Key Steps:
- Locate the Book: Identify the book that contains the image you want to cite.
- Identify the Image: Find the specific image within the book. Note its title (if any), artist (if credited), and importantly, the page number where it is located.
- Cite the Book: Create a full bibliographic entry for the book in your chosen citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). This entry goes in your Works Cited, References, or Bibliography section.
- Create In-Text Citation: When you refer to or include the image in your work, create an in-text citation that points to the book and includes the page number of the image.
Example Structure (General Principle):
While specific formats vary by style, the core elements often look like this:
| Citation Component | Content | Location in Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Full Bibliographic Entry | Complete citation for the book (Author, Title, Publisher, Year, etc.) | Works Cited / References / Bibliography |
| In-Text Citation | Reference to the book (often Author and Page Number) | Within the body of your paper |
In-Text Citation Examples (Style Dependent):
- MLA Style (Conceptual): (Author Name Page Number) - e.g., (Smith 45) for an image on page 45 of a book by Smith.
- APA Style (Conceptual): (Author Name, Year, p. Page Number) - e.g., (Smith, 2020, p. 45) for an image on page 45 of a book published in 2020 by Smith.
- Chicago Style (Notes-Bibliography): Often a footnote including book details and the page number.
Important Note: Many images in books, especially historical ones or illustrations, may not have easily identifiable author, title, or date information for the image itself. This reinforces the method of citing the book as the primary source.
By citing the book and providing the specific page number, you guide your reader directly to the image you are referencing within the published source.
