Here are the key points about running heads:
1. Placement: Running heads are typically placed in the header section of each page, aligned to the left or right margin.
2. Content: Running heads usually include the document's title or a shortened version of it. In academic writing, the author's last name may also be included.
3. Formatting: Running heads are often formatted in a smaller font size than the main text of the document and are typically set in bold or italics to distinguish them from the main content.
4. Purpose: Running heads serve several purposes:
- They help identify the document and its contents quickly.
- They provide a visual cue when navigating through a multi-page document.
- They enable readers to easily refer back to specific sections or pages.
5. Length: Running heads should be concise, usually not exceeding a few words or a short phrase that accurately represents the document's content.
6. Consistency: Running heads should appear on every page of the document and should remain consistent throughout the document, except for the title page, which usually does not have a running head.
7. Page Numbers: Running heads are often accompanied by page numbers, which are usually placed in the header or footer of each page.
Running heads are an important element of academic and professional writing, contributing to the organization and readability of multi-page documents.