Q. In a scientific book the source of some information is cited as an abbreviation for the name of the organization. For example, “Weather data is taken from WMO 1990.” WMO stands for World Meteorological Organization. In the literature cited, is WMO placed alphabetically according to WMO or according to World? That is, before or after an entry by Wood?
A. If the reference list entry begins with WMO (World Meteorological Organization), it comes before Wood; if it begins with World Meteorological Organization (WMO), it comes after Wood. The way it appears in the list should match the way it’s cited in the text and notes.