How to Cite an Online Journal in MLA

In this guide, we will break down the steps for citing online journal articles in MLA format.

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CITATION ELEMENTS FOR JOURNAL ARTICLE

When creating a reference entry for an online journal article in MLA style, 9th edition, make sure to incorporate the following components:

  • Contributor Information: Begin with the author’s last name, followed by their first name and/or initials.
  • Title of Article: Place the article title in double quotes using title case.
  • Title of Journal: Italicize the journal title, capitalize all major words.
  • Volume and Issue: Provide the volume number (vol.) and issue number (no.).
  • Month/Season and Publication Year: Include the abbreviated month or season of publication, followed by the full year.
  • Page Extent: Specify the article’s page range.
  • DOI: Incorporate the DOI with “https://” before it.

How to Cite an Online Journal in MLA

 

EXAMPLES OF ONLINE JOURNAL CITATIONS

Citation
Montgomery, Isabella. “Chronicles of Celestial Explorations: Unraveling Mysteries Beyond the Cosmos.” Astrophysical Insights Today, vol. 18, no. 4, Jan. 2024, pp. 77-91. https://doi.org/10.5678.1013xc.
Structure
Author Surname, Author First Name &/or Initial(s). “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, Volume, Issue no., Abbreviated Month/Season Publication Year, Page Extent. DOI or URL.
Citation
Parker, Roy, et al. “Psyche and Symbols: Unearthing the Depths of Human Cognition.” Eclectic Studies in Psychology, vol. 30, no. 2, Winter 2024, pp. 112-128. www.eclecpsychologyjournal.com/artsps.
Structure
Author 1 Surname, Author 1 First Name(s) &/or Initial(s), et al“Title of Article.” Title of Journal, Volume, Issue no., Abbreviated Month/Season Publication Year, Page Extent. DOI or URL.

Specify the Type of Online Source: Be precise when citing online journals in APA. Differentiate between articles retrieved from academic databases, online journals, and those found on websites. Include the exact DOI/URL when citing web-based sources, ensuring the reader can navigate directly to the source.

Highlight the DOI for Enhanced Accessibility: When available, prioritize citing the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) over a URL. DOIs provide a stable and direct link to the article, enhancing accessibility and ensuring the reader can locate the source easily. Format it as “https://doi.org/xxxx”.

Be Mindful of URL Length: When including a URL in your APA citation for an online journal, it’s essential to be mindful of URL length. While APA guidelines recommend providing a direct link to the article, excessively long URLs can disrupt the flow of your citation. Consider using URL shortening services to create concise and accessible links without sacrificing the accuracy of your reference.

Enhance precision in your APA format with our free APA citation generator! our user-friendly citation machine to effortlessly generate citations for APA books, cite APA webpages, and accurately reference APA journals. Simplify your citation process and ensure adherence to APA guidelines with our convenient tool.

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Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)

Tomas Elliott is an assistant Professor of English at Northeastern University London. His research specialisms include the history of theatre and film, European modernism, world literature, film adaptation, transmedia studies and citation practices. He read English and French Literature at Trinity College, Oxford, before completing a PhD in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory at the University of Pennsylvania.

Learn how to cite in MLA