A Beginner’s Manual for NLM In-Text Citation

NLM (National Library of Medicine) in-text citation is a critical aspect of academic and scientific writing, particularly in the medical and health sciences fields.

This blog will discuss the fundamentals of NLM in-text citation. 

We will cover its components, formatting guidelines, and examples of NLM citation so you can source accurately. Let's dive into the specifics of NLM citation style to understand its importance and application.

Basic Components of NLM In-Text Citation

To learn how to cite NLM style in-text citations, you first need to understand the basic in-text citation elements. Here's a breakdown of these components:

For the Citation-Sequence/Citation-Name System

• Superscript numbers: Superscript numbers are used to indicate in-text citations for references. They typically appear after the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence or clause, which corresponds to the source being cited.

For the Name-Year system

• Author Names: The last name of the author or authors responsible for the work being cited.

• Publication Year: The year the source was published or made available.

• Page Numbers: If applicable, page numbers indicate the specific location of the information being cited.

NLM In-Text Citation Systems

NLM (National Library of Medicine) style offers various systems for in-text citations, each with its own rules and formatting conventions. Let's explore the three main in-text citation styles provided by NLM and understand how they function within academic writing, including scenarios for multiple citations:

Citation-Sequence System

In this system, numbers are used within the text to refer to sources.

References are listed numerically at the end of the paper based on their order of appearance.

Take a look at the NLM in-text citation for different sources below:

The corresponding reference list entries would be: 

• Anderson J, Smith R. Unraveling the Genetics of Cardiovascular Diseases. Journal of Cardiology Research. 2020; 5(3): 123-135.
• Brown T, Johnson K. Insights into Heart Disease Pathogenesis. Journal of Medical Science. 2018; 10(2): 67-78.

To format the in-text citations in case of multiple references, follow the below guidelines: 

• Separate numbers that are not in a continuous numeric sequence by commas, without spaces. 
• For sequences of more than two consecutive numbers, use a hyphen or dash between the first and last numbers.
• When citing only two consecutive numbers, separate them with a comma, without spaces.

Here are some examples of multiple references:

• Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing symptoms of anxiety^1,2,5-7 and depression^3,4,8-10.
• The role of omega-3 fatty acids in improving cognitive function^{1,2,4,6,11-14} and mood stability^3,5,7,15 has been extensively researched.

Citation-Name System

In this system, superscript numbers are used in-text to refer to sources. However, references are listed alphabetically on the reference page instead of numerical order.

Take a look at these examples below to understand better.

In-text citations: 

The corresponding NLM reference list entries would be: 

• Anderson J, Smith R. Unraveling the Genetics of Cardiovascular Diseases. Journal of Cardiology Research. 2020; 5(3): 123-135.
• Brown T, Johnson K. Insights into Heart Disease Pathogenesis. Journal of Medical Science. 2018; 10(2): 67-78.

In cases of citing multiple references within the text, you can follow the same instructions for the citation-sequence system.

Name-Year System

This system involves citing the author's last name and publication year within parentheses.

References on the reference page are listed alphabetically by author and then by year.

Take inspiration from the examples below.

In-text citations:

Reference list:

• Brown EF, Williams GH. Exploring Novel Approaches to Cancer Management. Oncology Today. 2018; 6(3): 145-158.
• Johnson AB, Smith CD. Advances in Cancer Therapy. Cancer Research Journal. 2020; 8(2): 89-102.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in NLM In-Text Citations

NLM in-text citations may pose challenges for writers, with various common errors that individuals often encounter.

Here are some common mistakes you encounter: 

• Missing Superscript Numbers: Forgetting to include superscript numbers at the end of sentences or clauses where sources are cited can make it difficult for readers to identify the corresponding references.
• Incorrect Author Names: Double-check that you include the last name of the author or authors responsible for the work being cited.
• Missing Publication Year: Sometimes authors often forget to mention the publication year. Always make sure that the publication year is included in the citation. 
• Missing Page Numbers: Never miss page numbers or page ranges in the in-text citation. Without page numbers, readers may face difficulty in cross-checking the citation's credibility. 
• Lack of Consistency: Inconsistencies in formatting, such as using different citation styles or variations within the same document, can undermine the clarity and professionalism of NLM in-text citations.
  

Avoiding common mistakes like missing superscript numbers or incomplete author names is important. Following the guidelines outlined in this guide enables researchers to contribute effectively to scholarly discourse.

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