Author Archives: Martina Jackenkroll

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Screenshot e-Book from Ebook Central

EPUB-e-Books: How to cite without page numbers?

Since the introduction of the European accessibility act, which aims to improve the accessibility of products and services, the EPUB format has been preferred to the PDF format as the standard for the online provision of e-books. Several e-book providers such as Ebook Central (Proquest) point out this change in recent reports, as it has an impact on the use of e-books in their portals.

What is problematic about this?

EPUB files adapt flexibly to screen sizes and fonts. The disadvantage: there are no fixed page numbers in the documents. In science, however, page numbers are required in many citation guidelines in order to make citations retrievable. In this blog article, we explain how to cite from EPUBs despite the lack of page pagination.

Screenshot of a “page view” of an EPUB e-book in Ebook Central. The “page number” at the bottom right can vary.

What alternatives are there to specifying pages?

What to do if the EPUB format does not provide fixed pages? There are various alternatives for referencing citations from EPUB files:

  • Chapter or section numbers (e.g. chapter 3, paragraph 4)
  • shortened versions of chapter or section headings
  • Percentages or positions (e.g. 45%, 1654 loc for Kindle readers)

What do the official handbooks say?

If you look at the relevant manuals, you will find rules on how to cite in continuous text or footnotes and how to create bibliographies. We show some examples here. However, deviations are possible in individual cases, as even the handbooks leave room for interpretation in places.

STYLE REFERENCE LIST | SAMPLE REFERENCE LIST | EXAMPLE In-Text-CITATION | EXAMPLE
APA Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the book: Subtitle of book (Edition, if applicable). Publisher. DOI or nondatabase URL (if available) Mankiw, N G. (2025). Macroeconomics (12th ed.). Macmillan. (Mankiw, 2025, Chapter 2-1)
Chicago Author Last Name, Author First Name. Title of the Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year. DOI or URL (if available) or name of database. e-book reader. with URL from commercial database:

Mankiw, Nicholas Gregory. Macroeconomics. New York: Macmillan Publishers, 2025. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/tuchemnitz/detail.action?docID=31813253

with indicating e-book format when used via e-book reader:

Mankiw, Nicholas Gregory. Macroeconomics. New York: Macmillan Publishers, 2025. ProQuest Ebook Central. EPUB.

 Foot- or Endnotes are used. Example:

“Economists distinguish between two types of quantity variables: stocks and flows. A stock is a quantity measured at a given point in time, whereas a flow is a quantity measured per unit of time.”²

Foot-/Endnote:
2. Nicholas Gregory Mankiw, Macroeconomics (Macmillan Publishers, 2025), chap. 2-1, EPUB.
Harvard

(nach: Cite Them Right 2022)

 Author surname(s), initial(s). (Year Published) Title. Edition.  [e-book reader]. Place of Publication: Publisher. Available at: URL or DOI (Accessed: day month year). Mankiw, N. G. (2025) Macroeconomics. 12th edn. [EPUB]. New York, NY: Macmillan. Available at: ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/tuchemnitz/detail.action?docID=31813253&ppg=295 (Accessed: 19 February 2025). (Mankiw, 2025, chapter 2-1).
MLA Last Name, First Name of First Author, et al. Title of Book: Subtitle if Any. Edition if given and is not first edition, e-book ed., Publisher Name often shortened, Year of publication. Name of Database, DOI number/URL/Permalink or e-book format. with URL from commercial database:

Mankiw, Nicholas Gregory. Macroeconomics. 12th ed., e-book ed., Macmillan, 2025. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/tuchemnitz/detail.action?docID=31813253&ppg=295.

with indicating e-book format when used via e-book reader:

Mankiw, Nicholas Gregory. Macroeconomics. 12th ed., e-book ed., Macmillan, 2025. EPUB.

 (Mankiw, ch. 2-1)
IEEE J. K. Author, “Title of chapter in the book,” in Title of Published Book, xth ed. City of Publisher, State, Country: Abbrev. of Publisher, year, ch. x, sec. x. [Online]. Available: http://www.web.com [1] N. G. Mankiw, Macroeconomics, 12th ed. New York, NY, USA: Macmillan (Inc.), 2025. [Online]. Available: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/tuchemnitz/detail.action?docID=31813253&ppg=295 consecutive numbering of references in text: [1, ch. 2-1]

What else should be considered when referencing e-books?

If possible, a DOI or (nondatabase) URL with access date should always be linked in order to make the source clearly traceable. In general, the DOI is preferable to the URL in the citation context, as it never changes and always refers to the same target object. If there is only one URL and this URL links to a source in a commercial database behind a paywall, it can be replaced by the name of the database (e.g. ProQuest Ebook Central) according to some regulations. However, the APA guidelines explicitly state that the name of a database may be omitted if the sources can also be found elsewhere (e.g. on another platform).

Some citation guidelines recommend specifying the format of the e-book reader used, such as Kindle or EPUB, when citing from e-books that are accessed without a URL on an e-reader, an e-reader app or on a computer with e-reader software.

Where can I find more information?

For all those who want to delve deeper: The most important citation standards provide helpful information – especially on detailed questions regarding the correct citation of e-books without page numbers. The current editions of the regulations can be found in the University Library collection:

In addition, our MIKA e-learning module on Citation & Referencing provides a comprehensive overview of academic citing and referencing in general (it will be availabe in English soon). We are also happy to discuss all questions relating to citation and reference management with Zotero and Citavi in our personal “Book a Librarian” consultations.

 

Service
Screenshot Academic Search

EBSCO databases with a new look!

EBSCOhost has moved to a newly designed graphical user interface. This relates to all EBSCO-databases licensed by the University Library:

  • Academic Search Premier
  • American Antiquarian Society (AAS) Historical Periodicals Collection
  • American Bibliography of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ABSEEES)
  • Business Source Complete
  • Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS)
  • Communication and Mass Media Complete
  • Computer Source
  • eBook Collection
  • EconLit with Full Text
  • Education Source
  • Ergonomics Abstracts
  • ERIC
  • GreenFILE
  • Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts
  • Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies
  • MLA Directory of Periodicals
  • MLA International Bibliography
  • Political Science Complete
  • APA PsycArticles
  • APA PsycInfo
  • APA PsycTherapy
  • MEDLINE
  • PSYNDEX Literature with PSYNDEX Tests
  • Regional Business News
  • SocINDEX with Full Text
  • The Nation Archive (DFG), The New Republic Archive (DFG)
  • Criminal Justice Abstracts with Full Text
  • LGBTQ+ Source

In the drop-down menus below the search mask, filters such as publication period, document type or peer review as well as various search modes (e.g. AND/OR operators, “Also search in full text”) can be set before the search is carried out. Depending on the database selected, a list of relevant publications and a subject thesaurus are also available:

Screenshot of the EBSCO-Academic Search: Filter options, search mode settings, publication lists and thesauri can be found – depending on the selected database – in the menu below the search mask.

After the search, a pop-up menu can be opened by selecting “All filters” below the search mask. Here, further filters can be defined:

Screenshot of EBSCO-Academic Search: Filter options after the search

The “Document available?” button can also be used to check directly whether literature without full-text availability in EBSCO is licensed via other university library services:

Screenshot of EBSCO-Academic Search: The “Document available?” button is used to check whether the document searched for is licensed via another service of the library.

Only the indexes previously offered (e.g. index of persons) are no longer available. Instead, name suggestions are made directly when an author’s name is entered in the Author search field:

Screenshot of the EBSCO-Academic Search: suggestions are made when text is entered in the search field.

The functionalities in the dashboard for saved articles and searches as well as for citation have been expanded.

For more information, see the introductory tutorials to the new EBSCOhost or contact the library. All databases can be accessed via DBIS.

 

Open Science, Science

8 reasons why you should start with Citizen Science

Group of people working together in a library

Group of people working in a library (Image generated with ChatGPT, 2024 – https://chat.openai.com)

Citizen science – the active involvement of non-scientists in research projects – is not just a modern approach, but a revolutionary step that can transform science from the inside out. Here are eight reasons why you should start Citizen Science now.

1. Leave the ivory tower: Democratizing science through participation

Citizen science is an opportunity to break down the boundaries between science and society. By actively involving citizens in your research, you create transparency and enable open access to scientific processes. (cf. BMBF (2023): Partizipationsstrategie Forschung. URL: https://www.bmbf.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/de/2023/partizipationsstrategie.html [18.09.2024] – in German only)

2. Strengthen the community: Democracy needs cross-group research

A functioning democracy thrives on participation and encounters. Citizen science promotes precisely this by bringing together people from different social classes, ages and regions. With Citizen Science, you create spaces for cross-group research and enable interested parties to actively participate in scientific projects. (On the topic of personal encounters in everyday life, see: Manthe, Rainald (2024): Demokratie fehlt Begegnung. Über Alltagsorte des sozialen Zusammenhalts. Bielefeld: transcript. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783839471418)

3. Improving science communication: Entering into dialog

Citizen science is an important step towards improving science communication. By working together with laypersons in the scientific process, a dialog is created in which the significance and benefits of scientific findings become visible. This helps to promote understanding of scientific methods and reduce the mistrust that often exists related to research. (on the dialogical research process: Bogusz, Tanja (2020): Kollaboratives Forschen. In: Selke, Stefan et al: Handbuch Öffentliche Soziologie. Öffentliche Wissenschaft und gesellschaftlicher Wandel. Wiesbaden: Springer VS. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-16995-4)

4. Using resources: Simply collect data (or have it collected)

One visible advantage of citizen science is the possibility of collecting data together in a simple and cost-effective way. Whether it is environmental observations, historical documentation or the enrichment of large data sets, citizen science extends your range and allows you to collect data that would be difficult to access or too costly on your own. (but see critically on data management skills of citizen scientists: O’Grady, M. & Mangina, E. (2024): Citizen scientists-practices, observations, and experience. In: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. Vol. 11, DOI: doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-02966-x)

5. Acquiring funding: Participation as a plus point in the application

Funding institutions are placing more and more emphasis on participatory approaches in science. Proving that your research is not only important for the scientific community, but also for the public, significantly increases your chances of success when applying for funding. (see Wissenschaft im Dialog gGmbH (2024): mit:forschen! Gemeinsam Wissen schaffen: Förderinstrumente. URL: https://www.mitforschen.org/citizen-science/handbuch/foerderinstrumente [18.09.2024])

6. Do more than manage (open) science: Putting creativity and discussion at the heart of research

The increasing bureaucratization of science often means that researchers spend more time managing projects than actually doing research. Citizen science is also about re-engaging in the creative process and discussing research through meaningful networking. (see Leonelli, Sabina (2023): Philosophy of Open Science. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 67-68. DOI: doi.org/10.1017/9781009416368)

7. Gaining new insights: Through manifold perspectives

Volunteers who participate in science projects often bring new, unexpected perspectives and local knowledge to the table. This fresh perspective can lead to innovative insights that might not emerge in purely academic projects. (see also the concept of open innovation in economics: Pohl, Alexander & Engel, Berit (2021): Open Innovation. SSystematische Darstellung des State of the Art auf Basis einer Zitationsanalyse. In: CENTIM Working Papers. No. 2. Rheinbach: Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg. DOI: doi.org/10.18418/978-3-96043-092-6)

8. Developing current research questions: Research with social relevance

By involving citizens in your research, you can develop relevant and practical research questions that address the actual needs and challenges of society. This allows you to conduct research that is not only of interest on an academic level, but also solves concrete problems and improves people’s everyday lives. (as an example: Overgaard, Anne Kathrine & Kaarsted, Thomas (2018): A New Trend in Media and Library Collaboration within Citizen Science? The Case of ‘A Healthier Funen’. In: Liber Quarterly. Vol. 28. DOI: doi.org/10.18352/LQ.10248)

Conclusion: Citizen Science as a path to future-oriented research

Citizen science is more than just a new trend – it is a transformative movement that is fundamentally changing the way science is done. By involving amateur researchers in your projects, you not only create more transparency and participation, but also contribute to solving societal challenges. Take the opportunity to break new ground with Citizen Science.

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Current information, for example on funding instruments, data management in projects and legal and ethical issues, you find on these central platforms:

Looking for support?

Get in touch with the Open Science Team at the University Library:

Davide Del Duca: davide.del-duca@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de | Telefon: +49 371 531-36501 | Chat/Matrix: https://matrix.to/#/@dadel:tu-chemnitz.de

Martina Jackenkroll: martina.jackenkroll@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de | +49 371 531-33482

Formulated and translated with support of Chat.GPT and DeepL

E-media, Service

A new one is here! Access to the AIS-e-Library database

AIS e-Library start page

Screenshot of the AIS e-Library start page. Marked are the simple search and the possibility of searching by browsing.

Since the beginning of the year, all TUC members have had access to a new business information systems database. Thanks to a cooperation with the Faculty of Economics and Business Adminnistration, the University Library was able to make all contents of the AIS-e-Library accessible.

Den Beitrag weiterlesen A new one is here! Access to the AIS-e-Library database →

Open Science, Service

Come in. We are open – more inclusive through open consulting services

Quelle: oxygenweb.de (Bernd Hahn)

Quelle: oxygenweb.de (Bernd Hahn)

Why does this e-book not open? Is there any better literature than the one I have found so far? How do I format the paragraphs in my LaTeX document? What license do I apply to my materials to make them available as OER? How do I find a suitable repository for my research data?
Den Beitrag weiterlesen Come in. We are open – more inclusive through open consulting services →

Open Science, Science

Research data management in Saxony


Homepage SaxFDM – https://saxfdm.de/ (in German only)

In mid-January, Manuela Queitsch from the Service Center Research Data in Dresden visited the Chemnitz University Library. In her lecture and the subsequent discussion, she focused on the question of what services are already available in Saxony for scientists dealing with research data.
Den Beitrag weiterlesen Research data management in Saxony →