Cite a government report in Harvard
Government reports often make the agency the author, publisher, and institutional source at the same time. In Harvard (Cite Them Right 12), report numbers and department names keep the reference traceable without inventing an individual author. Use the title page or cover for the official agency name, publication year, report number, publisher convention, and stable URL.
Harvard rules for a government report
- Agency or department name is the author when no individual author is credited.
- Year is the official publication year on the report cover or title page.
- Report title is italicized.
- Include the report number exactly as printed.
- Use the agency publisher and stable report URL when available.
- Use Available at: URL with an Accessed date for online reports.
Worked example
Harvard · government reportA real government report formatted using the Harvard rules above.
NASA (2022) NASA strategic plan 2022. [Online] NASA. Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/fy22-nasa-strategic-plan.pdf (accessed January 15, 2025).
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