How to Cite ACM Computing Surveys in APA Format

Complete guide to citing ACM Computing Surveys in APA 7th edition with examples, unique formatting requirements, and common issues specific to this source.

ACM Computing Surveys presents unique citation challenges that require specific guidance beyond general source type rules. This page provides targeted help for finding citation information, handling ACM Computing Surveys's particular format requirements, and avoiding common mistakes specific to this platform.

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Quick Reference: ACM Computing Surveys Citations

Reference List Format:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx

ACM Computing Surveys-Specific Notes:
Citing articles from ACM Computing Surveys requires attention to detail, particularly because this journal, published by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), may follow specific conventions that differ slightly from standard APA citation practices. One unique aspect is the consistent use of digital object identifiers (DOIs) in ACM publications, which should always be included in citations. The format typically requires the author's last name, followed by their initials, and should be listed in the order they appear in the publication. In ACM Computing Surveys, if there are more than 20 authors, list the first 19 authors followed by an ellipsis and the final author's name, without using an ampersand.

A common point of confusion arises from the fact that ACM publications often include a variety of document identifiers and publication dates. Students should ensure they are using the most specific publication date available and include the DOI, as this is a crucial component in ACM citations. Another potential pitfall is the formatting of titles. In ACM Computing Surveys, article titles should be in sentence case, capitalizing only the first word and proper nouns.

To avoid common mistakes, students should carefully check each element of the citation against the publication's information. It's essential to ensure the correct order and format of authors' names, the accurate use of DOI, and the proper presentation of the publication title and date. Utilizing citation management tools that support ACM formats can also help streamline the process and reduce errors. Additionally, reviewing the official ACM Digital Library resources can provide further clarification and examples specific to ACM Computing Surveys.

In-Text Citation:
- Parenthetical: ([Author], [Year])
- Narrative: [Author] ([Year])

Key Points:
- Use Journal Article format with ACM Computing Surveys specifics
- Locate citation info on ACM Computing Surveys's website
- Handle ACM Computing Surveys's unique formatting requirements

Last Updated: 2025-10-31 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Where to Find Citation Information on ACM Computing Surveys

When searching for citation information on ACM Computing Surveys, a key resource in the field of computer science, it's essential to understand the layout and navigation of the ACM Digital Library website. Here’s a detailed guide to help you extract the necessary citation details such as the author, publication date, title, and URL/access information from ACM Computing Surveys.

Locating the Author

Upon accessing a specific article on the ACM Digital Library, the author information is typically displayed prominently. Look for the author byline at the top of the article page, just below the article title. The authors' names are usually hyperlinked, allowing you to click through for additional details about each author, such as their affiliation and other publications.

Finding the Publication Date

The publication date is usually located directly under the article title, alongside the author names. It might be listed as a specific date or just by month and year, depending on the article's publication details. This information is crucial for accurate citation, so ensure you note it precisely as it appears on the page.

Identifying the Article Title

The title of the article is prominently displayed at the top of the article page, often in a larger or bold font to distinguish it from other text. It is crucial to use the exact wording of the title in your citation, so double-check for any special formatting or punctuation.

URL/Access Information

The URL of the article is easily accessible via the browser's address bar. This is the web address you should use in your citation to provide direct access to the article. Additionally, if your institution provides access to the ACM Digital Library through a proxy, ensure you capture the correct URL that reflects this access method.

Unique Features of ACM Computing Surveys

ACM Computing Surveys has a unique layout that facilitates easy navigation and information retrieval. Each article page includes a sidebar with links to related articles, citation metrics, and tools for exporting citation information in various formats, such as BibTeX or RIS. These tools can be incredibly helpful in ensuring your citation is formatted correctly according to academic standards.

For students using ACM Computing Surveys, it’s also important to note that the platform provides a "Cite" button, usually located near the top or side of the article page. Clicking this button will show you various citation formats, which can be copied and pasted into your work. However, always double-check the format against your institution's guidelines, particularly if you need to adhere to APA 7th edition standards.

By following these steps, students can efficiently gather all necessary citation information from ACM Computing Surveys articles, ensuring their academic work is properly referenced.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your ACM Computing Surveys Citation

How to Create an ACM Computing Surveys Citation

Creating a citation for an article from ACM Computing Surveys can seem daunting at first, but by following these detailed steps, you will be able to produce a correct citation in APA format. This guide is designed for beginners, so each step is clearly outlined, with helpful tips for efficiency.

What You Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Locate the Article
    - Action: Go to the ACM Computing Surveys website or use a search engine to find the specific article you want to cite.
    - Verification: Ensure that you have the correct title, authors, and publication year for the article.
    - Time Estimate: 5-10 minutes, depending on your familiarity with the website.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Use specific keywords related to the article's title or authors when searching to narrow down results quickly.

  2. Identify the Authors
    - Action: Look for the authors listed on the article's page. They are usually found at the top of the article.
    - Verification: Make sure you note the correct format of the authors’ names. In APA format, list the last name first, followed by initials.
    - Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: If there are multiple authors, check if there is an “et al.” notation for three or more authors. For APA, you will list up to 20 authors before using "et al."

  3. Gather Publication Year and Title
    - Action: Find the year the article was published and the full title of the article.
    - Verification: Double-check that the title is written in sentence case (only the first word, proper nouns, and the first word after a colon should be capitalized).
    - Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Copy and paste the title into your document to avoid typos.

  4. Find Journal Details
    - Action: Locate the journal's title, volume number, issue number, and page range for the article.
    - Verification: Ensure that you have the correct volume and issue numbers, as well as the starting and ending pages of the article.
    - Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Journal information is often located in the same area as the article title, making it easy to compile.

  5. Obtain the DOI
    - Action: Look for the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) link for the article. This link usually appears on the article's webpage.
    - Verification: Make sure the DOI is correctly formatted. It should start with "https://doi.org/" followed by the unique identifier.
    - Time Estimate: 2-4 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: If the DOI is not readily visible, check the citation tools provided on the journal's site. They often list the DOI in their citation formats.

  6. Compile Your Citation
    - Action: Using the information you have collected, format your citation according to the provided template:
    Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx
    - Verification: Check that all elements are in the correct order and format. Ensure proper punctuation, italics, and capitalization.
    - Time Estimate: 5 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Keep a copy of the APA style guide handy for quick reference as you compile your citation.

  7. Review Your Citation
    - Action: Read through your citation one last time to ensure accuracy and adherence to APA format.
    - Verification: Compare your citation against the APA guidelines or use an online citation checker for additional feedback.
    - Time Estimate: 2-5 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Use tools like citation generators but verify their output against the APA guidelines to ensure accuracy.

  8. Save and Use Your Citation
    - Action: Save your citation in a document or citation manager for future reference.
    - Verification: Make sure you can easily access your saved citation when needed for your work.
    - Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
    - Tip for Efficiency: Organize your citations in a folder with clear naming for easy retrieval later.

By following these steps, you can successfully create an accurate citation

Real Examples from ACM Computing Surveys

This section provides authentic citation examples from ACM Computing Surveys using recent publications from 2023-2024.

I currently do not have direct access to external databases or websites, including ACM Computing Surveys, to pull real-time data or articles. However, I can guide you on how to create APA 7th edition citations for hypothetical articles based on typical scenarios you might encounter. Below are examples of how you would format citations for potential articles from ACM Computing Surveys. Remember to replace the placeholder text with actual information from the articles you find.

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

Scenario Description: An article written by a single author discussing the advancements in artificial intelligence in 2023.

Reference List Citation:
Smith, J. A. (2023). The evolution of artificial intelligence: Trends and future directions. ACM Computing Surveys, 55(1), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1145/1234567

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical): (Smith, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative): Smith (2023) discusses the evolution of artificial intelligence.

Notes: This example is noteworthy because it represents a typical citation format for an article with a single author, which is common in academic publications.

Example 2: Corporate Author

Scenario Description: A report published by a tech company on cybersecurity practices.

Reference List Citation:
Tech Innovations Inc. (2023). Cybersecurity practices in the digital age. ACM Computing Surveys, 55(2), 26-50. https://doi.org/10.1145/2345678

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical): (Tech Innovations Inc., 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative): According to Tech Innovations Inc. (2023), cybersecurity practices are evolving rapidly.

Notes: This example highlights the use of a corporate author, which is less common but important when organizations publish as authors.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

Scenario Description: An article co-authored by three researchers on the subject of quantum computing.

Reference List Citation:
Johnson, M. L., Patel, R. K., & Chen, Y. (2023). Quantum computing: Bridging theoretical and practical applications. ACM Computing Surveys, 55(3), 51-75. https://doi.org/10.1145/3456789

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical): (Johnson, Patel, & Chen, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative): Johnson, Patel, and Chen (2023) explore the applications of quantum computing.

Notes: This example demonstrates how to format a citation with multiple authors, which is a common occurrence in collaborative research projects.

Example 4: Special Formatting Case

Scenario Description: An article featuring a special section on emerging technologies.

Reference List Citation:
Liu, X., & Gomez, T. (2023). Emerging technologies in the modern era: A special section. ACM Computing Surveys, 55(4), 76-100. https://doi.org/10.1145/4567890

In-Text Citation (Parenthetical): (Liu & Gomez, 2023)

In-Text Citation (Narrative): Liu and Gomez (2023) provide insights into emerging technologies.

Notes: This example is unique due to the special section format, which might include a collection of related articles or an in-depth focus on a particular topic.

These examples guide you on how to format citations for different scenarios you might encounter when working with ACM Computing Surveys or similar sources. Be sure to replace placeholders with actual data from the articles you locate.

Common Issues When Citing ACM Computing Surveys

Common Citation Problems When Citing ACM Computing Surveys

Citing articles from ACM Computing Surveys can present unique challenges due to its specific format and interface. Here, we’ll address common issues such as finding authors, formatting dates, handling URLs, and understanding access requirements, providing practical solutions for each problem.

Problem 1: Finding Authors

Issue Description:
Students often struggle to find the correct author names when citing articles from ACM Computing Surveys. This confusion arises because the interface lists multiple contributors, including editors and reviewers, alongside the primary authors.

Why It Happens:
ACM Computing Surveys often features collaborative articles with numerous contributors, and the website interface sometimes presents these names in a non-intuitive order, making it tricky for students to identify the primary authors.

Solution:
1. Navigate to the article’s main page on the ACM Digital Library.
2. Look for the section labeled "Authors" at the top of the article information.
3. Identify the primary authors listed, usually those involved in the content creation rather than editing or reviewing.
4. Use the "Cite" tool on the page to verify the author list if available, but cross-reference with the main text to ensure accuracy.

Example:

Problem 2: Date Formats

Issue Description:
Students frequently encounter issues with formatting publication dates correctly, especially when the ACM interface displays dates in various formats.

Why It Happens:
ACM Computing Surveys may show several dates, such as submission, acceptance, and publication, leading to confusion about which date to use in citations.

Solution:
1. Use the "Publication Date" listed on the article page, as this reflects when the article was officially published.
2. Convert the date to the APA format: Year, Month Day.

Example:

Problem 3: URL Handling

Issue Description:
Handling URLs can be problematic, especially when ACM Computing Surveys articles have complex or lengthy URLs.

Why It Happens:
The URLs provided by the ACM Digital Library include session identifiers and other parameters that are unnecessary for citation purposes.

Solution:
1. From the article page, use the "Permalink" feature to obtain a stable URL.
2. Include only this permalink in your citation.

Example:

Problem 4: Access Requirements

Issue Description:
Students might have difficulty understanding access requirements and mistakenly cite articles they cannot directly access.

Why It Happens:
ACM Computing Surveys often restricts full article access to subscribers or institutional members, which can confuse students about how to cite these sources correctly.

Solution:
1. Check if your institution provides access. Use institutional login if available.
2. If access is restricted, indicate this in the citation by adding "Retrieved from" followed by the URL.
3. Always ensure you have accessed the full text or a reliable abstract before citing.

Example:

In summary, while citing ACM Computing Surveys can be challenging due to author identification, date formatting, URL management, and access requirements, understanding and applying these solutions can simplify the process. By following these steps, students can ensure their citations are accurate and compliant with APA 7th edition guidelines.

Note: For general Journal Article citation errors, see How to Cite Journal Article.

Frequently Asked Questions About ACM Computing Surveys

Q: How can I find the necessary citation information for an article from ACM Computing Surveys on their website?

A: To find citation information on ACM Computing Surveys' website, navigate to the article's page, and look for sections labeled "Citation" or "Export Citation" which often provide APA citation details. Additionally, the article's metadata, including author names, publication date, and DOI, are usually located at the top or bottom of the article's webpage.

Q: How should I format author names from ACM Computing Surveys when there are multiple authors?

A: In APA format, list the authors in the order they appear in the article, using the last name followed by their initials. For articles with up to 20 authors, list all authors; for more than 20, list the first 19 authors, insert an ellipsis, and then add the last author's name.

Q: How do I correctly format the publication date for an article from ACM Computing Surveys in APA format?

A: Use the year of publication provided on the article's page. If no specific month or day is available, only the year is necessary. The format should be (Year, Month Day), if applicable, and (Year) if only the year is available.

Q: What are the requirements for including a URL or DOI when citing an ACM Computing Surveys article in APA format?

A: Include the DOI in the form of a URL (https://doi.org/xxxxx) at the end of the citation. If a DOI is not available, use the URL of the article's page. Ensure the URL or DOI is functional and leads directly to the article.

Q: How do citation practices for ACM Computing Surveys differ from other journal articles in APA format?

A: While the general APA format for journal articles applies, ACM Computing Surveys articles may have unique DOI formats and digital access considerations. Ensure you verify whether a DOI or URL is provided, as this can differ from print-only journal articles, which may not require digital access information.

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