For Students:
Most instructors will tell you which citation style to use for their assignments. If your instructor doesn't have a preference, you should use the citation style most appropriate for your career or field.
For Writers:
The citation style you use should be based on the journal into which you are seeking publication. Guidelines for publication can be found on the journal's website.
Janet Anderson, MLIS
701.418.7710
Montanna Barnett, MLS
701.777.2166
Sandi L. Bates, MLIS
701.751.6767
Megan Denis, MLIS
701.777.4792
Jessica D. Gilbert Redman, MLIS
701.777.2602
Erika Johnson, MLIS
701.777.4129
Devon Olson, MLIS
701.777.4828
Sara Westall, MLIS
701.293.4173
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association Style (a.k.a. APA Style) is primarily used by researchers and students in the following fields:
What is a DOI?
A DOI (digital object identifier) is a unique number assigned to an article to help with online article retrieval.
Example: 10.1787/888933152623
Why do I Need it?
APA citation style requires that you include the DOI at the end of your references for both print and electronic articles.
Where can I Find it?
There are three places you can look for an article DOI:
1) On the database search results page within the information about the article.
2) On the first page of the full text of the article.
3) Article DOIs can be looked up using the website crossref.org.
*DOIs can be assigned to an article at any time. Don't assume that an older article won't have a DOI.*
Still Can’t Find it?
APA guidelines state if there is no DOI available then at the end of your citation include “Retrieved From” and the web address for the journal homepage.
Note: Not the direct web address for the article.