What should be done when citing materials that cannot be found in publications?

When citing materials not found in publications, such as personal communications, unpublished manuscripts, datasets, or archival materials, transparent and ethical citation practices are both possible and essential. Key principles involve providing sufficient descriptive detail to allow retrieval or verification, obtaining necessary permissions (e.g., for personal interviews), and clearly identifying the non-traditional nature of the source. Ensure the cited material is reliable, relevant, and ethically obtained. Critically evaluate its credibility, as unpublished materials lack formal peer review. Always adhere to the specific citation style guide required (e.g., APA, Chicago, MLA) for formatting non-standard sources, paying close attention to elements like the description of the material and access dates or locations. The use of such sources significantly strengthens research by incorporating primary evidence, expert insights, or unique data. To implement, provide a complete citation including the author/creator, title/description, year, and specific location or means of access (e.g., "personal communication," "unpublished raw data," "manuscript in possession of author," archive name and collection number). For interviews, specify the date and mode. Preserve original materials responsibly and respect confidentiality agreements.