Footnotes and Endnotes

What are Footnotes and Endnotes?

Footnotes are the notes found at the foot, or bottom of a page. They are usually separated from the main text on the page by a space or line and are smaller in print size than the main text.

Endnotes are found at the end of a chapter, article or section. They contain the same information and features as footnotes, but are on a different page to the text to which they refer.

Footnotes and endnotes offer more information about some aspects of the main text. They can be a reference, some more facts related to a topic or a commentary on that topic.

Footnotes and endnotes always comment on something in the main text, and are connected to that part of the text by a number or a symbol. Footnotes and endnotes often (but not always) contain information that is not necessary for the text itself, but can add to the understanding of certain aspects of the text.

What do I do when I see them?

Read them. Information which is placed in a footnote or endnote is information the author thought was relevant, even if it did not necessarily belong in the main part of the text.

Sometimes very useful and relevant information can be held in a note - sometimes the notes have exactly the information you need, even though the main text doesn't.

Footnotes and endnotes often hold the reference for a quote or statement, and will help you follow your line of research.

Can I cite/quote them in my assignment?

Yes, a note is as legitimate a source of information as the rest of the text - although some referencing styles have certain rules for citing from a footnote or endnote. You should check your styles guide to see what these rules are.

Can I use footnotes or endnotes in my own assignments?

Sometimes.

Some styles won't let you cite your references in text, and insist you use footnotes and endnotes for your citations. Other's frown on the use of footnotes and endnotes, preferring that all information be held in the main text or in an appendix. Check with your lecturer or tutor to see what is expected of you.

Remember, you can only use footnotes or endnotes, not both. Check which one belongs with the style you are using, or which one your lecturer prefers.

Footnotes, endnotes and appendices are often outside of the word limit, as well, so you should check with your lecturer to see if they count towards the word limit or not.

Further Reading

Mock, William B.T. (2006). When a Rose Isn't 'Arose' Isn't Arroz: A Student Guide to Footnoting for Informational Clarity and Scholarly Discourse. International Journal of Legal Information, 34 (1) 87-97. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1019891

Cermak, B. & Troxell, J. (2006). A Guide to Footnotes and Endnotes for NASA History Authors. Available at: http://history.nasa.gov/footnoteguide.html

Ohrstrom Library Staff. (1999). Giving Credit to Sources: Footnotes. Available at http://library.sps.edu/reference/Hypertext_tutorial/ht_footnoteform.shtml

When and how do I use footnotes or endnotes? http://www.noodletools.com/kb/index.php?article=61