2

How do I index an author who published articles with and without middle initial? For example, I cite an author who published as

J. Bloggs, An important paper, Some Journal, 1993

and

J. Z. Bloggs, Another important paper, Some Journal, 1995.

When I create the corresponding entries in the author index, should I refer from one to the other [e.g., Bloggs, J. (see also Bloggs, J. Z.)] or do I create both entries with the middle initial? Are there official rules for this situation? (Yes, I am sure that they are the same person.)

user1362373
  • 121
  • 2

1 Answers1

3

If an established rule isn't available, one can solve this question using reason.

Including names in citations helps readers and future researchers accomplish three important goals:

  • Uniquely identify the author of a work. (Distinguish the author from other authors with similar names.)
  • Identify multiple works by that author.
  • Distinguish between works with similar titles but different authors.

Including the author's middle initial in each citation does the best job of meeting all three goals.

Omitting the author's middle initial in at least one of the citations does a poorer job of satisfying all three goals.

If you are certain of the author's identity, adding their middle initial to a citation does no harm. If you are uncertain, doing so risks creating confusion for future researchers.

Therefore, provided you are certain of the author's identity, add the middle initial to all citations of that author's works.

rolfedh
  • 1,935
  • 11
  • 28