How to Cite Web Sites Without DOI in MLA Format

Citing Web Sites Without DOI in MLA Format

When writing a research paper in MLA format, you may come across web sites that do not have a Digital Object Identifier (DOI). In this article, we will walk you through the process of citing these types of web sites correctly.

Tip 1: Identify the Author and Title

The first step in citing a web site without DOI is to identify the author and title. Since there is no DOI, you can rely on other identifying information such as the URL or the name of the organization that published the content. Make sure to include the author's name and the title in the MLA format citation.

Tip 2: Use the Access Date

Since web sites are constantly changing, it is essential to note the date of access for your citation. This ensures that the reader can find the original publication date and not a later version or update. To do this, simply add "Accessed [Date]" at the end of the URL in parentheses.

Tip 3: Include the Title of the Container

When citing a web site with no DOI, you must also include the title of the container that hosts the content (e.g., a journal, newspaper, or website). This is usually enclosed in quotation marks. For example:

• "The History of Web Sites." Journal Name. 10 Mar. 2020. Accessed 15 Mar. 2023.
• "Web Site Example." Organization's Website. 20 Feb. 2018. Accessed 1 Apr. 2022.

Tip 4: Check for Page Numbers

If the web site has multiple pages or articles, you should include the page numbers in your citation. This is indicated by a colon (:) followed by the page range (e.g., p. 10-12). However, if the author provides pagination information in the source material, use that instead.

Tip 5: Use the MLA Website for Guidance

The Modern Language Association (MLA) website provides detailed guidelines on citing web sites with no DOI. You can consult their resources to ensure you are using the correct citation format and style.

Additional Tips:

• If the URL is not available, include a descriptive title or description that would allow readers to find the content.
• For online archives or databases, use the archive name or database name instead of the website name.
• When citing multiple sources with no DOI from the same web site, separate each source with a comma.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure accurate and consistent citation of web sites without DOI in MLA format.