Working on the arXiv version of a published paper, how should I cite? As part of a research project, I use results from this paper. It seems to have been published at least 3 times:


as an arXiv preprint from January 2012
in a Springer book from 2012
in another Springer book from 2014


Google also found a version hosted on PSU's website, which I guess is a copy of one of the published versions.

For each of these versions, there is a different .bib file containing the "right" way to cite the paper.
I don't know which one I should use.
Since I don't have either of the Springer books, I work with the arXiv version, but it seems weird to me to cite the arXiv preprint (I assume it's a preprint) if there are versions already published elsewhere.

I am relatively new to research (not a PhD student) and have encountered this situation several times.
I usually don't have access to the peer-reviewed version, and work on preprints published by the authors.

How do I choose which version to cite? Should I always cite the exact one I have been reading, even if it is not the final peer-reviewed publication?
If at all possible you should cite the most recent official (published, peer reviewed) version. 

You could consider contacting the author to ask if the arXiv  version differs in any way that might matter in your context. A librarian might be able to help with that too.

You can note in your bibliography that a version of article is also available on arXiv.