About DOIs and URLs
The last element in a reference to an electronic source is typically a clickable link to the material. There are two possible formats:
- DOI
- URL
Always search for a DOI first. If you do not find a DOI, and the source is not easily accessible in a database, provide a direct link/URL to the information. Use a permalink if available.
Note: If a source (like an ebook or a journal article) is easily accessible through databases, but does not have a DOI, cite it as a print source.
DOIs
DOI stands for Digital Object Identifier and allows readers to access journal articles or electronic books with a type of direct link. DOIs can be found
- near the bottom of the Detailed Record if using the Library's database,
- at the top or bottom of the first page of the article, or
- on the copyright page.
They should be formatted as follows:
https://doi.org/xxxxx
Example
https://doi.org/27.2.101
URLs
If an online source has no DOI and is not easily accessible through databases, include a direct link to the source using its URL. Use a permalink if available. Use the following format:
- Always use the full URL that takes the reader directly to the document.
- When copying and pasting a URL, allow MS Word to automatically break the URL or move it to a new line: i.e. you don't need to do anything to it.
- Keep URLs hyperlinked.
- Do not end with a period.