Master the Art of Citing Electronic Sources with Purdue's OWL

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding MLA Format
3. Citing Electronic Sources
4. Citing a Page on a Website
5. Citing an Article from an Online News Site
6. Citing Scholarly Journals
7. Citing Articles from Databases
8. Additional Information for Journal Articles
9. Including Access Dates in Citations
10. Other Types of Sources

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to use Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL) to cite sources in MLA format. Specifically, we will focus on citing electronic sources, such as pages on websites and articles from academic journals. By following the guidelines provided by Purdue OWL, you will be able to accurately and consistently cite your sources in your bibliography.

Understanding MLA Format

Before we dive into specific types of citations, it's important to have a basic understanding of MLA format. MLA (Modern Language Association) is a commonly used format for citing sources in academic writing. It provides a standardized way to acknowledge the works of others and avoid plagiarism.

Citing Electronic Sources

Electronic sources are becoming increasingly prevalent in research and writing. It is crucial to know how to cite these sources correctly to give proper credit to the authors and maintain academic integrity.

Citing a Page on a Website

When citing a page on a website, such as an article from CNN or Reuters, you need to include certain information to create an accurate citation. According to Purdue OWL, the basic structure for citing an individual page on a website includes the following elements:

• Author's last name
• Title of the article
• Title of the website
• Date of publication
• URL
• Date accessed

To create a citation for a page on a website, you would list the author's last name, followed by the title of the article. Then, provide the title of the website, the date of publication, the URL, and the date you accessed the article.

Citing an Article from an Online News Site

Articles from online news sites are a common source for research and writing. To cite these articles accurately, you need to follow a specific format. The citation for an article from an online news site includes the following information:

• Author's last name
• Title of the article
• Website title
• Date of publication
• URL
• Date accessed

By including these elements in your citation, you provide enough information for readers to locate the article you are referencing.

Citing Scholarly Journals

Scholarly journals contain valuable research and analysis conducted by experts in their respective fields. When citing articles from scholarly journals, it is important to follow the proper citation format to give credit to the authors and provide the necessary information for readers to access the article.

Citing Articles from Databases

Finding articles from scholarly journals often involves searching through databases provided by libraries or academic institutions. When citing these articles, you need to include additional information to help readers locate the specific article within the journal. The format for citing articles from online databases includes the following elements:

• Author's last name
• Title of the article
• Journal title
• Volume and issue numbers
• Date of publication
• Page range
• Database title
• DOI or URL
• Date accessed

To create a citation for an article from an online database, you would list the author's last name, followed by the title of the article. Then, provide the journal title, volume and issue numbers, date of publication, page range, database title, DOI or URL, and the date you accessed the article.

Additional Information for Journal Articles

In addition to the basic citation elements mentioned earlier, there are specific details you need to include when citing journal articles. These details, such as volume and issue numbers, help readers locate the exact article within the journal.

Including Access Dates in Citations

Access dates refer to the date on which you accessed an online source. While including access dates in citations is optional, consistency is key. If you choose to include access dates for one source, ensure that you provide them for all sources. However, if you prefer not to include access dates, maintain consistency across your bibliography.

Other Types of Sources

Apart from websites and journal articles, there are various other types of sources you may encounter while conducting research. These sources include books, book chapters, podcasts, and more. Purdue OWL offers guidance on citing these sources, ensuring that you can accurately cite any source you come across.

By following the MLA guidelines provided by Purdue OWL, you can confidently and consistently cite sources in your writing. Whether you are citing a webpage, an article from an online news site, or a scholarly journal article from a database, this tutorial has provided you with the necessary tools to navigate the citation process effectively. Remember to include all the relevant information and maintain consistency throughout your bibliography. With these skills, you can avoid plagiarism, acknowledge the works of others, and contribute to the academic community. Happy citing!

Highlights:

• Learn how to cite electronic sources in MLA format
• Understand the specific format for citing web pages and online news articles
• Gain insights on citing articles from scholarly journals and online databases
• Discover additional citation details for journal articles
• Decide whether to include access dates in your citations
• Get guidance on citing other types of sources
• Build your knowledge and skills in proper source citation to maintain academic integrity

FAQ

Q: Do I need to include access dates for online sources in my citations? A: Including access dates is optional, but it is important to be consistent. If you choose to include access dates for one source, ensure that you provide them for all sources.

Q: Can I use a different MLA guide instead of Purdue OWL? A: While Purdue OWL's MLA guide is comprehensive and regularly updated, you can use another MLA guide as long as you adhere to the current MLA 8 format.

Q: Are there specific guidelines for citing books or book chapters? A: Yes, Purdue OWL offers guidance on citing various types of sources, including books and book chapters. Refer to their MLA guide for detailed instructions.

Q: How can I ensure that my citations are accurate and consistent? A: To ensure accuracy and consistency, carefully follow the formatting guidelines provided by Purdue OWL. Double-check your citations for completeness and make sure to keep a consistent style throughout your bibliography.