Tax records compiled in a book

How does one cite tax records compiled into a book?

Submitted byEEon Fri, 04/29/2016 - 19:05

Wibbus, if you're referring to a manuscript register at the courthouse, you cite it as you would any other manuscript register at the courthouse. (See, for example, EE 9.26) If you're referring to a published book with abstracts from tax records, then you're not citing tax records. You're citing somebody's published book. That's "Basic Book" format (12.2-12.3)

Oops - this is embarrassing.

I mixed up two sources I'm working with: one is a compilation of tax records and the other is an index to deaths reported in a newspaper.  Both are books, but the one about deaths has an author, a compiler really.

I am struggling with the tax records, because the book is "by the Genealogical Society of Central Missouri," and I'm not sure what to do.  The "Society" isn't an "agency" in the sense of being part of a government.  Should I cite it using 12.12 Authors Unknown?

Submitted byEEon Tue, 05/03/2016 - 07:12

Wibbus, not to worry. We've all thought apple and said orange at one time or another.  In your case at hand, you're right that the society is not a government agency. But it's still the compiler and the society name would be the name that goes in the field for the "author" or "creator." If you'll search for this book at WorldCat, you'll see that WC also cites the society as the author. Then for publisher, rather than give the full name of the society again, it simply says "The society."

 

Thank you - and thank you for being so tactful about my mistake.

I'll remember your advice about using WorldCat - I'm sure it will be a helpful source in future.

 

(And now I've made another mistake and didn't respond the first time as a Reply.  Sigh ....)

Submitted byWibbuson Tue, 05/03/2016 - 07:24

Thank you - and thank you for being so tactful about my mistake.

I'll remember your advice about using WorldCat - I'm sure it will be a helpful source in future.