Answered By: Library Reference
Last Updated: Jul 14, 2015     Views: 1113

Here is some information located from "The OWL" at Purdue University --  

APA states that including database information in citations is not necessary because databases change over time (p. 192). However, the OWL still includes information about databases for those users who need database information.

When referencing a print article obtained from an online database (such as a database in the library), provide appropriate print citation information (formatted just like a "normal" print citation would be for that type of work). By providing this information, you allow people to retrieve the print version if they do not have access to the database from which you retrieved the article. You can also include the item number or accession number or database URL at the end, but the APA manual says that this is not required.

If you are citing an article from a database that is available in other places, such as a journal or magazine, include the homepage's URL. You may have to do a web search of the article's title, author, etc. to find the URL. 

For articles that are easily located, do not provide database information. If the article is difficult to locate, then you can provide database information. Only use retrieval dates if the source could change, such as Wikis. For more about citing articles retrieved from electronic databases, see pages 187-192 of the Publication Manual.

 

Get Help from the Library

Chat with a Librarian

chat loading...
Ask Us a Question!
You should receive a response within 24-48 hours (not including the weekends and any holidays). 
If your question is urgent, use our 24/7 Chat service above instead
Fields marked with * are required.