…cite electronic sources for my bibliography?

Answer

Refer to the examples below based upon the APA Style Guide, 5th edition.

Introduction

It is customary when directly or indirectly using or referring to another person’s words, ideas, and opinions to cite the source from which it came. With the existence of an increasing number of electronic sources, there is a need for guidance on how to cite these sources properly. There are several well-known citation sources available, such as the MLA and APA style guides. Many journals also have their own citation instructions for prospective authors to follow, so when writing for publication, follow the individual journal’s "Instructions for Authors."

Below are some common citation examples for electronic sources taken from the 5th edition of the APA Style Guide.

Step-By-Step

  1. Basic Structure for an electronic journal:

    2. Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (2000).
    Title of article. Journal title, xx, xxxxxx.
    Retrieved month day, year, from source.

  2. Basic structure for an electronic document:

    3. Author, A. A. (2000). Title of work.
    Retrieved month day, year, from source.

  3. Example - Electronic book based on a print source:

    4. Rakel, A. (2000). Conn's current therapy. 52nd ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 258-259. Retrieved March 23, 2003 from MD Consult online database: http://www.mdconsult.com

  4. Example - Document from an electronic-only textbook:

    5. Krawitt, EL, Bonis, PA (2004, August 10). Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Retrieved August 15, 2005 from UpToDate online textbook: http://www.uptodate.com

  5. Example - Electronic journal article based on a print source:

    6. Talbot, T.R. (2005). Diabetes mellitus and cardiothoracic surgical site infections [Electronic version]. American Journal of Infection Control, 33 (6), 353-359.

  6. Example - Electronic-only journal article:

    7. Cockerill MJ: (2004) Delayed impact: ISI's citation tracking choices are keeping scientists in the dark. BMC Bioinformatics,5, 93.

  7. Example - Document available from a Web site:

    8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2005, August 22). Fight the Bite! Avoid mosquito bites to avoid infection. Retrieved September 13, 2005, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/prevention_info.htm

Resources

  • APA Electronic Citation Manual
    The complete guide to citing various electronic sources according to the APA.
  • Using APA Style
    This online guide from Purdue University includes basic formats for citations using APA style, referring to basic formats for books and periodicals.
  • Using MLA Format
    Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab has created these guidelines for using the MLA style guide.

Help

For additional information about citing electronic sources, contact Karen Knight at 924-0056.