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Citation Style Guides for Internet and Electronic Sources

This guide has been updated and moved to the following URL: http://guides.library.ualberta.ca/citation_internet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Internet and electronic information, with no print equivalents, present new challenges to scholars. Increasingly information is being published only in electronic formats, and questions about how to cite these sources in academic papers have become frequent at library service desks. This guide is written for students at the University of Alberta and is not meant to be definitive. Comments are very welcome.

Table of Contents

  1. Major Types of Electronic Sources
  2. Citation Components and Examples
  3. Citation Examples Based on APA Style
  4. Citation Examples Based on Chicago Style 
  5. Sample References for Biomedical Journals
  6. Citing Cochrane Reviews (Vancouver & APA) 
  7. Style Guides on the Internet
  8. Style Guides in Print in the University of Alberta Libraries

 

 

1. Major Types of Electronic Sources

Most style authorities classify electronic sources into two major types: web resources, online sources and other electronic sources.

Web and Online sources may include:

  • World Wide Web sites
  • FTP sites
  • Synchronous Communications sites (MOOs, MUDs, Chats)
  • Listservs
  • Newsgroups
  • E-Mail
  • Databases

Other electronic sources may include:

  • CD-ROMs
  • diskettes
  • magnetic tapes
  • other portable computer databases

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2. Citation Components and Examples

As more information becomes available on the Internet and in electronic form, some standardization of citation formats is necessary in order to provide accurate references to authorship and to facilitate access to the sources. The style authorities have various approaches to the citation of electronic sources and, in general, there is little agreement among them. However, there are two principles emerging to which all authorities appear to adhere: 1) provide as much information as possible concerning the authorship and the availability of the sources, and 2) if there is no specific guideline for a particular electronic source, draw an analogy to a relevant print source guideline.

The ISO (International Standards Organization) standard appears to be the most complete in citation elements.  DIS 690-2 recommends that the following citation elements be included in bibliographic references to electronic documents:

  • Primary responsibility
  • Title
  • Type of medium (e.g. online; CD-ROM)
  • Subordinate responsibility
  • Edition
  • Issue designation (for serials)
  • Place of publication
  • Publisher
  • Date of publication
  • Date of update/revision
  • Date of citation
  • Series
  • Notes (physical description; accompanying material; system requirements; frequency of publication; language; other notes)
  • Availability and access (e.g. URL)
  • Other availability information
  • Standard number (e.g. ISBN, ISSN)

For further information, contact:
ISO/TC 46/SC 9 Secretariat
National Library of Canada
Internet: iso.tc46.sc9@nlc-bnc.ca

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3. Citation of Electronic Resources based on APA Style 

Please note that on June 2007, APA published a new style guide for electronic references which replaced section 4.16 of the fifth edition of the APA manual (2001, pp.268-281). You may also consult the APA's website at http://www.apastyle.org/elecmedia.html.

Important changes include:

  • Issue number: Always include journal issue number if available, regardless of whether the journal is paginated separately by issue or continuously by volume.
  • Retrieval date: Include retrieval date if the cited content is likely to be changed or updated.  No retrieval date is necessary if the materials are the final version, such as a journal article or book.
  • Use DOI (if available) instead of URL. Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique identifier used to provide a persistent link to the location of the content on the Internet. The DOI resolver is provided by CrossRef.org, a registration agency for scholarly and professional publications.
  • Database name is no longer necessary unless the content is of limited circulation delivered by electronic databases (do not include the database URL)

Citation Examples

A Journal Article with DOI

Marsh, H. W., Trautwein, U., Lüdtke, O., Baumert, J., & Köller, O. (2007).
     The big-fish-little-pond effect: Persistent negative effects of selective
     high schools on self-concept after graduation. American Educational
     Research Journal, 44(3), 631. doi: 10.3102/0002831207306728


A Journal Article with no DOI

Schrader, A. (1999). Internet Censorship: Issues for teacher-librarian. Teacher
      Librarian, 26(5). Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdlink?
      did=42031752&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=12301&RQT=309&VName=PQD

Note: Do not insert a hyphen to break a URL across line, and do not add a period after the URL.

If you have three to five authors

 

:

Henri, J., Hay, L., & Oberg, D. (2002). An international study on principal
     influence and information services in schools: Synergy in theme and
     methods. School Libraries Worldwide, 8(1), 49. Retrieved
     from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdlink?did=145956141&sid=2&Fmt=
     1&clientId=12301&RQT=309&VName=PQD
    

(Note: APA (p.227) indicates that in electronic sources, page numbers are often not relevant.)

A Magazine Article

Alexandra Penn (2006, November). Raising the Alert on Cyber Bullying.
     Teach, 17-18.  Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdlink?did=
     1226114671&sid=5&Fmt=2&clientId=12301&RQT=309&VName=PQD

An Abstract

Andison, C. A. (1998). Learning disabilities and peer victimization in schools.
     [Abstract]. Retrieved from UMI ProQuest Digital Dissertation 
     database. (AAT MQ37470).  

An Internet Journal Article with No Print Equivalent

Foster, S. K., Paulk, A., & Dastoor, B. R. (1999). Can we really teach test-taking
     skills?  New Horizons in Adult Education, 13(1). Retrieved  February 7,
     2000, from http://www.nova.edu/~aed/newhorizons.html

An ERIC document

Mackey, M. (1999, November). The changing powers of readers in a time of
     new technology. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the
     International Association of School Librarianship (IASL), Birmingham, Al.
     (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 437067 ). Retrieved from 
     http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage
     _01/0000019b/80/16/00/60.pdf

An Online Full-text Dissertation
 
Branch, J. L. (2000). Information-seeking processes of junior high students:
     A case study of CD-ROM encyclopedia use  (Doctoral dissertation, 
     University of Alberta, 2000). ProQuest Digital Dissertations (AAT NQ59566)

An E-Book

Polette, N. J. (2000). Gifted books, gifted readers: Literature activities to excite
     young minds. Englewood, Co: Libraries Unlimited. Retrieved from
     netLibrary database.

A Newspaper Article

Avery, B. (2000, February 9). Oil Prices likely to remain high: Non-OPEC suppliers
      unable to challenge cartel. The EdmontonJournal. Retrieved from
      http://www.edmontonjournal.com/

Online encyclopedia

Adamski, B. K. (n.d.). Lacrosse. In Canadian Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved
     September 15, 2006, from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/
     index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1SEC888940

A Web Document

American Psychological Association. (2001). Electronic references. Retrieved
     November 1, 2001, from http://www.apastyle.org/elecref.html 

A Web Site

No reference entry is needed; give the URL of the site in text. For example,

2Learn is a very useful Web site for teachers  http://www.2Learn.ca/mapset/mapset.html

E-Mail 

Cite e-mail communication in text only. No reference entry is needed. For example,

J. Tong (personal communication, February 9, 2000)

Illustrations

To provide full citation of illustrations, include a note at the bottom of the reprinted work (or in the caption) giving credit to the original author and to the copyright holder. Although APA does not include specific guidelines regarding images from websites, here is a suggestion drawn from an analogy to printed work. For example, to provide full bibliographic citation to a copyrighted photograph obtained from the Washington State University website, include a note at the bottom of the photograph:
 
   Note. From Washington State University, Pullman, University Recreation. (2004). Men's Ice Hockey [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://urec.wsu.edu/photos/ Copyright 2002 by Board of Regents, Washington State University. Reprinted with permission.

 

 

 

 

APA style guide to electronic references (2007). Washington D.C.:APA.

Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.).
     (2001).  Washington D.C.: APA.

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4. Citation of Electronic Resources based on Chicago Manual of Style (for Humanities)

Based on the principles outlined in the Chicago Manual1 and Turabian2, the following are sample references for citation of electronic sources. The Chicago style favored by writers in literature, history, and the arts, is a system known as "Notes and bibliography." This guide is meant for University of Alberta students doing their term paper assignments, and is not meant to be definitive and will be revised periodically.

The Chicago Manual of Style Quick Guide (Online)
http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html

Citation Examples

The Chicago Manual requires that page references be included in the citation. The fact that on-line journal articles are seldom marked with page number makes it difficult to include page information. Give the total number of pages, paragraphs or lengths in words if they are provided. It is also acceptable to omit the page reference if the reference is to the article as a whole. In general, cite only what is available.

An On-line Journal Article

Footnote:

     1. Alvin Schrader, "Internet Censorship: Issues for Teacher-Librarian," Teacher Librarian 26, no.5 (1999): par. 18, http://www.library.ualberta.ca/databases/databaseinfo/index.cfm?ID=63 (accessed November 24, 1999).

Bibliography:

Schrader, Alvin. "Internet Censorship: Issues for Teacher-Librarian."
     Teacher Librarian 26, no.5 (1999): 5 pp. http://www.library.ualberta.ca/
     databases/databaseinfo/index.cfm?ID=63 (accessed November 24, 1999)

A Magazine Article

Footnote:

    2. John Schofield, "Fighting for French: a New Report Takes Aim at Barriers to Bilingualism for Canadian Students," Maclean's, August 28, 2000, 5, http://www.library.ualberta.ca/databases/databaseinfo/index.cfm?ID=135

Bibliography:

Schofield, John. "Fighting for French: a New Report Takes Aim at Barriers  
     to Bilingualism for Canadian Students." Maclean's, August 28, 2000.
     http://www.library.ualberta.ca/databases/databaseinfo/index.cfm?ID=135
     (accessed January 19, 2001).

An Unpublished Paper

Footnote:

    3. Nawang Phuntsog, "Renewal of Tibetan School; Curriculum in Exile: A Tibetan-Centric Approach," (paper, 1994), 5, ED 383617, http://www.edrs.com/Webstore/Default.cfm (accessed January 21, 2001).

Bibliography:

Phuntsog, Nawang. "Renewal of Tibetan School; Curriculum in Exile: A
     Tibetan-Centric Approach." Paper, 1994. ED 383617,
     http://www.edrs.com/Webstore/Default.cfm (accessed January 21, 2001).

An Abstract

Footnote:
    4. Naomi Sankar-DeLeeuw, "Gifted Young Children: An In-depth Investigation" (Ph.D. diss., University of Alberta, 1999), abstract in ProQuest Digital Dissertations, AATNQ46914, http://www.library.ualberta.ca/databases/databaseinfo/index.cfm?ID=168
(accessed January 21, 2001).

Bibliography:

Sankar-DeLeeuw, Naomi. "Gifted Young Children: An In-depth
     Investigation." Ph.D. diss., University of Alberta, 1999. Abstract in
     ProQuest Digital Dissertations, AATNQ46914, 
     http://www.library.ualberta.ca/databases/databaseinfo/index.cfm?ID=168 
     (accessed January 21, 2001).

An Online Full-text Dissertation

Footnote:

          5. Jennifer Branch, "Information-seeking processes of junior high students: A case study of CD-ROM encyclopedia use" (PhD diss., University of Alberta, 2001) Retrieved from ProQuest Digital Disserations (AAT NQ59566)

Bibliography:

Branch, Jennifer. "Information-seeking processes of junior high students:
      A case study of CD-ROM encyclopedia use" (PhD diss., University of
      Alberta, 2001) Retrieved from ProQuest Digital Dissertations
      (AAT NQ59566)

An E-Book

Footnote:

      6. Nancy J. Polette. Gifted books, gifted readers: Literature activities to 
excite young minds. (Englewood: Libraries Unlimited, 2000), retrieved from
netLibrary database.

Bibliography:

Polette, Nancy J. . Gifted books, gifted readers: Literature activities to
      excite young minds. Englewood: Libraries Unlimited, 2000.
      Retrieved from netLibrary database.

 

A Newspaper Article

Newspaper articles may be cited in the text ("As Bruce Avery noted in the Edmonton Journal Online article on February 9, 2000, ..."), and can be omitted from a bibliography or reference list.

An Encyclopaedia Article

It is not necessary to list well known reference books in bibliographies, cite the item preceded by s.v. (sub verbo, "under the word")

    6. Encyclopaedia Britannica, s.v. "Ice hockey", http://www.britannica.com/ (accessed  January 21, 2001).

A Web Site

    7. University of Chicago Press, University of Chicago Press Online, http://www.press.uchicago.edu/ (accessed January 21, 2001).

A Web Document

   8. International Olympic Committee, "IOC code of ethics," The Official Website of the Olympic Movement, http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/commissions/ethics/index_uk.asp, (accessed  March 14, 2002).

E-Mail

Reference to e-mail may be included in a note.

    9. Josie Tong, e-mail message to author, January 19, 2001.

 

_______________________________________________

References:

     1. University of Chicago Press, The Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1993).
     2. Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Chicago: University Chicago Press, 1996).

 

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5. Uniform requirements for Manuscripts submitted to Biomedical Journals

Also known as Vancouver style. Based on an ANSI standard style adapted by the National Library of Medicine for its databases.

  • International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals: Writing and Editing for Biomedical Publication
    http://www.icmje.org/

  • U.S. National Library of Medicine:  International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals -- Sample References
    http://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/uniform_requirements.html
    See examples 35-41 for electronic material citation.

 

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6. Citing Cochrane Reviews

a. Vancouver/ICJME Style. There appears to be no consistency in formatting of Cochrane Reviews among the various publications that use Vancouver style (see here for examples), nor does the official Vancouver/ICJME reference example page at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/uniform_requirements.html include any Cochrane Reviews.  We suggest you cite Cochrane Reviews in the following format:

McCarney RW, Linde K, Lasserson TJ. Homeopathy for chronic asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD000353. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000353.pub2.

This will comply with the Vancouver practice of abbreviating the source title, but still stick closely to the format recommended by the Cochrane Library. If you do not have the ‘CD’ number or the DOI for your review, look it up by author and/or title in the Cochrane Library.

The above example is a suggestion only. You might wish to confirm with your instructor whether he/she will accept our suggested format. If not, ask him/her to suggest how you should format the reference. If you are submitting an article for publication, check with the journal editor to determine the desired format for Cochrane reviews.

b. APA Style.  There appears to be no consistency in formatting of Cochrane Reviews among the various publications that use APA style (see here for examples), nor does the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed. provide any examples of citing a Cochrane Review.  We suggest you cite Cochrane Reviews in the following format:

McCarney, R.W., Linde, K., & Lasserson, T.J. (2004). Homeopathy for chronic asthma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD000353.

If you do not have the ‘CD’ number for your review, look it up by author and/or title in the Cochrane Library or in PubMed.

The above examples are suggestions only. You might wish to confirm with your instructor whether he/she will accept our suggested format. If not, ask him/her to suggest how you should format the reference. If you are submitting an article for publication, check with the journal editor to determine the desired format for Cochrane reviews.  

 

7. Style Guides on the Internet

  • The Columbia Guide to Online Style by Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor (1998)
    [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/cgos/idx_basic.html]

  • Citation Guides for Electronic Documents (IFLA)
    [http://www.ifla.org/I/training/citation/citing.htm]
    This guide is derived from queries sent to NETTRAIN and other lists, as well as the summary of replies submitted to NETTRAIN by Debbie Wilson.

  • ISO Central Secretariat's WWW site (ISO standard)
    [http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/iso/tc46sc9/standard/690-2e.htm]
    The International Standards Organization has a recommended standard for a uniform system of citing electronic documents. Information on ISO standards can be obtained from this site.

  • University Laval Guide (in French)
    [http://www.bibl.ulaval.ca/doelec/citedoce.html]
    Laval University's course on Internet. Good coverage on bibliographic citation of Internet sources.

  • Online! A Reference Guide to Using Internet Sources (2000 edition)
    [http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/] by Andrew Harnack & Eugene Kleppinger.
    Very useful source on MLA, APA, CBE, and Chicago citation styles.

  

Other Useful Style Sheets on the Net

 

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8. Style Guides in Print in the University of Alberta Libraries

 

  References

 

  • APA Style
    Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 5th edition. Washington: APA, 2001.
    • Has a new section on citation of electronic media, Section 4.I.
    • PE 1475 A52 2001   Reference copies at Business, Education, Health Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science & Technology, and St. Joseph's College Libraries

 

  • Chicago Style
    The Chicago Manual of Style. 15th edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003.
    • Follows the ISO standard on the citation of electronic documents.
    • Z 253 M26 2003  Reference copies at Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science & Technology, and St. Joseph's College Libraries

  • Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 6th edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996.
         LB 2369 T92 1996  Reference copies at Business, Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science & Technology, and St. Joseph's College Libraries

 

  • MLA Style
    Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 6th edition. New York: The Modern Language Association of America, 2003.
    • See section 4.9 on citing electronic publications
    • LB 2369 G53 2003   Reference copies at Business, Education, and Humanities & Social Sciences Libraries

 

  • NLM Style
    Patrias, Karen. National Library of Medicine Recommended Formats for Bibliographic Citation (Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1991)
    • Addresses bulletin boards, online databases, and e-mail.
    • R 119 P314 1991  Health Sciences Library (Stacks) 

 

  • Li and Crane
    Li, Xia and Nancy B. Crane. Electronic Styles: A Handbook for Citing Electronic Information. Medford: Information Today, 1996.
    • Two common citation conventions, APA & MLA, were referenced with specific examples. By far the most complete citation treatment of electronic sources.
    • PN 171 D37 L693 1996  Reference copies at Business, Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, Law, and Science & Technology Libraries

 

  • CBE Style
    Scientific style and Format: the CBE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers. 6th edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
    • T 11 S386 1994  Reference copies at Health Sciences and Law Libraries 

 

  • Legal styles
    Canadian Guide to Uniform Legal Citation. 5th edition. Scarborough, On: Carswell, 2002.
    • Cases in electronic form.
    • KF 245 C212 2002  Reference copy at Law Library

  • The BlueBook. A Uniform System of Citation. 17th edition. Cambridge: the Harvard Law Review Association, 2000.

    • Cases available on electronic databases.
    • KF 245 H332  Reference copy at Law Library

 

  • Government publications
    Garner, Diane L. and Diane H. Smith. The Complete Guide to Citing Government Information Resources. Bethesda, MD: Congressional Information Services, 1993.
    • Advises provide as much information as you can about an electronic source.
    • Chapter 6 (p. 151-194): "Electronic formats of government information"
    • J 9.5 G23 1993   Reference copy at Humanities & Social Sciences Library

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Herbert T. Coutts Education and Physical Education Library
University of Alberta

Author: Josie.Tong@ualberta.ca
Updated: April 21, 2009

 

 

 

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