Longview Campus Library http://lvlibrary.mcckc.edu
Citing Electronic Sources (APA)
th
Based on Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6 Edition pp.198-224. The following
examples are for resources retrieved from the Library’s subscription databases.
When referencing a print article obtained from an online database (such as a database in the library), format your
citation as you would a print citation for that type of work. According to the APA guide, it is not necessary to include
database information in your citation (p. 192). However, speak with your instructor if you have any questions. If your
information is from a reference book or encyclopedia obtained through a database, see next page.
Refer below to learn how to include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) from an electronic source in your Reference
page.
For more about citing articles retrieved from electronic databases, see pages 187-192 of the Publication Manual.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What is a DOI?
 A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique identifying number for an article.

Many online journals and databases will provide a DOI with each article. When this is present, make sure
to include the DOI in your reference.

It is crucial to include a DOI for articles published in online only journals (no print version available). The
DOI will help locate the article even if the web address changes.

For online scholarly articles retrieved from the journal’s homepage that do not have a DOI, reference the
URL.

For articles found in databases without DOIs, reference the article as you would a print article. The DOI is
not required.
PERIODICALS
Journal/Magazine article with a DOI number:
Ahmad, I. (2010). The U.S. Af-Pak Strategy: Challenges and opportunities for Pakistan. Asian Affairs: An
American Review, 37(4), 191-209. doi:10.1080/00927678.2010.520572
Print Journal retrieved from database with no DOI number:
Light, M.A., & Light, I. H. (2008). The geographic expansion of Mexican immigration in the United States and its
implications for local law enforcement. Law Enforcement Executive Forum Journal, 8(1), 73-82.
Online Journal with no DOI number:
Kenneth, I. A. (2000). A Buddhist response to the nature of human rights. Journal of Buddhist Ethics, 8.
Retrieved from http://www.cac.psu.edu/jbe/twocont.html
Online Magazine Article:
Clay, R. (2008, June). Science vs. ideology: Psychologists fight back about the misuse of research. Monitor on Psychology,
39(6). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor
Online Newspaper Article:
Schwartz, J. (1993, September 30). Obesity affects economic, social status. The Washington Post. Retrieved from
http://www.washingtonpost.com
OTHER ONLINE/DATBASE SOURCE CITATION FORMATS
E-books:
Sutherland, J. (1997). Can Jane Eyre ever be happy? More puzzles in classic fiction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Retrieved from http://www.netlibrary.com
Online Encyclopedias/Reference works from a Database:
Example for Facts on File Databases:
Longshore, D. (2008). Hurricane Katrina. Encyclopedia of hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones (new ed.).
American History Online. Retrieved April 30, 2009, from http://www.fofweb.com/
Example for Oxford Art Online Database
Nagel, A. (n.d.). Altarpiece. Oxford Art Online. Retrieved June 25, 2012, from http://www.oxfordartonline.com/
Example for MissouriConnections.org (formerly CIS)
Quality Control Inspectors. (2011). MissouriConnections.org. Retrieved June 25, 2012 from
http://www.missouriconnections.org/
Online Legal Sources:
Example for Court Case
United States of America v. Madoff, 626 F. Supp. 2d 420, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 52676 (S.D.N.Y., 2009).
Example for State Code
Drivers’ and Commercial Drivers’ Licenses,19 Mo. Ann. Stat. § 302.178 (2009).
Example for Federal Code
Department of Homeland Security, 6 U.S.C.S. § 111 (2010).
INTERNET WEBSITES
This refers to Internet sources that the library does not subscribe to, like Google Docs or Highwire Press. At a
minimum, a reference of an Internet source should provide a document title or description, a date (of publication,
update, or retrieval), and an address (URL). Whenever possible, identify the author(s) of the document.
Jones, J. (2011, October 11) Cain’s momentum, Perry’s decline in positive intensity continue.
Retrieved from http://www.gallup.com/poll/150020/Cain-Momentum-Perry-Decline-PositiveIntensity-Continue.aspx
Gleiberman, O (2010, March 24). [Review of the movie How to train your dragon, produced by DreamWorks,
2010]. Retrieved from http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20350115,00.html
Cuong, D. et al. (2011, October). Zinc homeostasis and gut function in children with celiac disease.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 94(4), 1026-1032. Retrieved from http://www.ajcn.org
For more information on APA citation, see the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
th
Association, 6 Edition.
Revised 6.12