How do I format a long quotation (over 40 words)? (APA)
A direct quote from a source that is over 40 words long is called a block quotation/long citation.
To format a block quotation, APA suggests the following:
Do not use quotation marks to enclose a block quotation.
Start a block quotation on a new line and indent the whole text 0.5 cm from the left margin.
Double-space the entire block quotation.
Do not add extra spaces before or after the text in the block quotation.
If there are additional paragraphs within the quotation, indent the first line of each subsequent paragraph an additional 0.5 cm.
When citing, either:
Cite the source after the quotation’s final punctuation (parenthetical citation) or
Cite the author and year before the quotation and place the page number in round brackets after the quotation’s final punctuation (narrative citation).
Do not add a full stop after the citation. (APA Style, 2022)
Example
Research findings on how libraries can support students with autism.
Autistic support in academic libraries requires a multi-layered approach in order to understand the needs of this user group and deliver appropriate services accordingly. Current literature indicates that measures such as staff training, the cultivation of relationships with community resources, attention to sensory issues, thoughtful design of physical spaces, adaptations to pedagogical techniques, advocacy for awareness in the campus community, and calls for further research are all necessary aspects of delivering quality library services to autistic post-secondary students. (Braumberger, 2021, p. 97)
