This is usually because the template for that ref type in the output style, doesn’t have the right separation characters (which looks like a line | ) around the vol. label and the “volume” field and/or is missing the link adjacent character (which looks like a tiny diamond shape instead of the space) between the vol. label and the “volume” field, so the vol. label appears even when the “vol” field is empty.
Which output style are you using and what ref type is this?
Hi Leanne,
Thanks very much for your reply. To clarify, I am using MLA output style and the references are for a thesis.
I see several MLA output styles available on the endnote styles list, the most recent being July 22, 2023. I don’t see a thesis template in the bibliography list so I assume your thesis entries are being formated using the “Generic” template which pasted across (copy generic template contents to the added “thesis” reference type) as
Author. “Title.” Academic Department, vol. Degree, Thesis Type, University, Date Year, p.^pp. Number of Pages|. general editor, Advisor, Name of Database, doi:DOI, Access Date|.
and is missing most of the forced separation characters and many of the link adjacents as well, but I suspect that if you just delete the offending vol. from the new template, the rest will work for you?
You will need to edit the MLA output style (in endnote21 that is under the tools menu) and save as to a new name. – Then under Bibliography templates, from the Reference Types dropdown at the upper left, add “thesis” - copy the “generic” template to this new empty ref type (which is usually at the bottom until you save it and it will realphabetize them) - now just delete the vol. from this pasted template and look carefully at the other field name assignments. They should change from the generic fields and match the thesis fields in your ref type. Since you don’t ever use volume field in your ref type, it is an extraneous left over with no matching field to “link” to that label. – save it again – and then change your word document to use this newly named output style. That reference style should be saved to your personal styles folder, and if you use other computers, you should email it to yourself so you can add it to other computers you use with endnote. (open it and save it from endnote, so it ends up in a place endnote expects to find it. .
Hi Leanne,
Thanks again for your help. I am not sure that my End Note is configured the same as yours. I have no edit function under tools and I have no drop down list on the upper left, can you advise further? I have noticed that if I leave the field for the type of degree blank, the Vol. disappears.
Cheers
Murray
Then please provide the version of desktop Endnote and the operating system you are using. It may be under Edit menu, output styles, edit/MLA
In endnote21 – it is tools> Output Styles, then the edit “stylename”. In early versions (not sure if Endnot20 or before that) it is edit> output styles> edit “stylename”, if memory serves.
Hi Leanne,
The only dropdown list is output styles, but it just has a long list of other styles and no editing function. I am using End Note 21 on a windows operating system.
Cheers
Murray
select your style from that dropdown (you are in endnote, right?). then once you have selected your style, - then go back at it should be one of the Edit “yourstyle” options at the top. this is from endnote X8 but the same appears under tools, output styles in endnote 21. I haven’t ever updated this computer at home… so can’t screenshot endnote 21
Hi Leanne,
Thanks for the screenshots. It made things a lot clearer. I have managed to eliminate the VOL. but have a smaller problem. I have a date field in the thesis output style, but the reference in word does not display it for some reason. Can you advise on this?
Cheers
Murray
which field name is it in your thesis style? (Date rather than YEAR?) is it a month or date or is it the year?
and where in this do you want it to appear?
Did you just delete the vol. from generic, or did you create a thesis template?
You would want to incorporate that into the thesis template in the appropriate place, and if it isn’t always filled with the appropriate characters to ensure punctuation only occurs when the field is filled. You probably don’t want number of pages,
something like…
Author. “Title.”| Academic Department|. Degree|. Place Published|: University|, Date|, Year|. Name of Database|. Web|. Access Date|.
Hi Leanne,
Thanks again. Yes, I did put the fields in manually and once I put in year (instead of date) it resolved the issue. Have a great Christmas.
Thanks
Murray