How to Cite NotebookLM
Updated July 2026
Citing a summary, answer, or briefing from NotebookLM? Here's the format in APA, MLA, and Chicago — plus the key question of whether to cite NotebookLM or the sources it's reading.
List Google as the author, describe the output, add NotebookLM as the version, and the [Large language model] label.
The format
Google → year → description of the output → (NotebookLM) → [Large language model] → link. Build it in the generator under Manual Entry → AI tool.
Google. (2026). Briefing on my uploaded climate-policy sources (NotebookLM) [Large language model]. https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/3f9c-climate
In-text(Google, 2026)
Google. "Briefing on my uploaded climate-policy sources." 2026, https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/3f9c-climate.
In-text(Google)
Google. "Briefing on my uploaded climate-policy sources." 2026. https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/3f9c-climate.
In-text(Google 2026)
What NotebookLM is — and why citing it matters
NotebookLM is Google's AI research assistant: you upload your own sources (PDFs, docs, slides, links) and it answers questions, summarizes, and builds study guides grounded in those documents. Students use it to digest readings fast — which raises a citation question most tools don't: are you citing the AI, or the sources it read?
Because the output is AI-generated, disclose and cite it. But NotebookLM is unusual in that it points back to your original materials — so often the better citation is the source itself.
Cite NotebookLM — or the original source?
- Cite NotebookLM when you're quoting or relying on its generated summary, answer, or study guide.
- Cite the original source when NotebookLM just pointed you to a fact in a document you uploaded — go to that document and cite it directly. It's stronger and more verifiable.
- Often, cite both — the source for the fact, and NotebookLM if its synthesis shaped your wording.
- Keep your prompt/question in a note so the output is reproducible.
Audio Overviews are separate
NotebookLM can turn your sources into an AI "podcast" — an Audio Overview. That's cited differently (as AI-generated audio). See how to cite an AI audio overview. Official guidance for AI tools is still evolving — watch the APA Style blog.
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Go Premium — $5/monthFrequently asked questions
- Who is the author when I cite NotebookLM?
- Google, with NotebookLM as the version/tool and the [Large language model] label. You are the user, not the author.
- Should I cite NotebookLM or my uploaded source?
- Cite the original source when NotebookLM just surfaced a fact from it — that's more verifiable. Cite NotebookLM when you're relying on its own summary or synthesis; sometimes cite both.
- How do I cite a NotebookLM Audio Overview?
- As AI-generated audio, not as text — see the dedicated guide on citing an AI audio overview.