How to Cite an Online Journal in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (MA)
• Published on 01/12/2024
• Updated on03/30/2024

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.

 

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.

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