Harvard Referencing

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum but since I can't find anywhere else I shall post here...

I have an essay due this Thursday (so not a lot of time left) and I have to reference using the Harvard system. I've never had to use this system before and I'm a little confused about how I go about doing it correcly.
I have googled and read through a few pages but I'm still not sure, any advice very much welcome

Thanks

This is a pretty good guide because it has lots of examples of how to cite in text and compile the reference list at the end for lots of different types of sources. : http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm

Here's a question.

I have a book by two editors. In the book, there are different chapters by different contributors. Right, so having read that Anglia link, I have to cite THE CONTRIBUTOR and not the editors... is that the same in the bibliography? What if I use several of the chapters? Do I cite the same source several times, with the only difference being the chapter and contributor (they're all the same date: 2008)

I've never done it like that before! Am I right? Uuurghghhhh

In text, yes, you would cite the chapter author. Say, for example, the person who wrote the chapter is called John Smith and the editors of the book are called Robert Jones and David McDonald (names make it easier to explain who cares what they're called ), in the bibliography it would appear as follows:

Smith, J. (date) 'Chapter title' in Jones, R. and McDonald, D. (eds) Book Title. Place of publication: publisher, pp. 39-53

Does that make sense?

It does actually, oh you WONDERFUL person! I have but a few more questions if I may

The first is this: I have to use AT LEAST 5 academic texts.. if I use several of these chapters, is that several or one?

My second and final question.. ! How do I cite the preface? Do I just treat that like I would a chapter? I love prefaces, they round up all the information beautifully haha

Strictly speaking, yes, they count separately, but your tutors might think you're being a bit lazy Obviously if you have several chapters of the same book (and they're all relevant) PLUS loads of other references, it's not a problem. What subject are you doing? It honestly isn't that hard to find at least 5 different academic books/articles to reference.

Probably not the best idea citing the preface Just find the relevant chapter and paraphrase or quote what you find there. Tip: the index is your best friend - saves far more time than falling asleep in a book because you can't find what you want