Template:One source/doc

This is a documentation subpage for Template:One source.
It contains usage information, categories, interlanguage links, and other content that is not part of the original template page.

Purpose

This template alerts people to wiki content which appears to rely on a single source. A single source is considered less than ideal because a single source may be inaccurate or biased. Without other sources for corroboration, accuracy or neutrality may be suspect. By finding multiple independent sources, the reliability of the encyclopedia is improved.

Usage

A |talk= parameter is allowed; setting this to any value will result in the message "See talk page for details." being included in the tag.

This template also includes support for using the |date= parameter. Adding this parameter sorts the article into subcategories of Category:Articles needing additional references and out of the parent category, allowing the oldest problems to be identified and dealt with first. A bot will add this parameter if it is omitted. Be careful not to abbreviate the date, because then it will automatically add a redlinked category instead of the correct category. The simplest way to use this parameter manually is {{One source|{{subst:DATE}}}} but it can be done more explicitly as {{One source|date=December 2024}} (both result in the same output).

Listed below are three options for usage.

{{One source}}

{{One source|date=December 2024}}

{{One source|article|{{subst:DATE}}|talk=y}}

Editorial usage

This template should only be used for encyclopedic content which has a verified, cited source, but only the one source.

A single source is not automatically a problem. Good judgment and common sense should be used.

Please consider improving the article or making a good faith attempt to find additional citations before adding this template.

It is considered good form to provide a rationale in your edit summary or on the talk page of the article. The more specifically you describe your concerns, the less likely other editors are to misunderstand.

If you believe problems exist beyond the sources themselves, address that issue with an appropriate template (see below), rather than simply questioning the sources.

Alternatives

Sources and citations
- {{Unreferenced}} — No sources at all
- {{Primary sources}} — Dependence on primary sources
- {{Unreliable sources}} — Dependence on unreliable sources
- {{Refimprove}} — Multiple cited sources but still need additional sources
- {{Failed verification}} — Citation does not support the article's claim(s)
- {{Partisan sources}} — Sources only or mainly represent one view.
Article content
- {{POV}} — Neutrality, point-of-view, bias
- {{Disputed}} — Factual accuracy