Documentation of a published literary work, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel, necessitates adherence to established academic and professional standards. This process involves systematically recording details including author, title, publication year, and publisher, conforming to a specific style guide (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). For instance, a Modern Language Association (MLA) style entry for the novel would generally include Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Publisher, Year of Publication.
Accurate and complete record keeping serves several crucial functions. It provides a clear path for readers to verify sources and delve deeper into the subject matter. Moreover, it acknowledges the intellectual property rights of the author and publisher, avoiding potential plagiarism. In academic settings, proper attribution is essential for demonstrating research integrity and upholding scholarly ethics. The history of attributing sources extends back to ancient libraries and the development of formal scholarship, highlighting its enduring significance.