How to Cite E-Books
Basic Format with DOI
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/xxxx
Example:
Smith, J. D. (2023). Digital research methods. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1234/5678
Format with URL (No DOI Available)
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher. URL
Example:
Johnson, M. R. (2023). Guide to online research. Digital Press. https://www.example.com/ebook
E-Book Platforms
Kindle Books
For Kindle books without page numbers, use the location number
Brown, R. T. (2023). Research essentials [Kindle version]. Publisher.
Google Books
Include the Google Books URL if no other version is available
Wilson, K. L. (2023). Data analysis guide. https://books.google.com/books?id=xxxxx
In-Text Citations
With Page Numbers
Smith (2023, p. 45) argues...
...(Smith, 2023, p. 45)
Without Page Numbers
Smith (2023, Chapter 3) discusses...
...(Smith, 2023, para. 4)
Kindle Locations
...(Brown, 2023, loc. 234-235)
Special Considerations
Online-Only Books
For books that exist only in digital format
Davis, C. D. (2023). Digital publishing guide [eBook edition]. https://doi.org/10.1234/9876
Updated or Revised E-Books
Include version or edition information when available
Miller, E. F. (2023). Research handbook (2nd ed., ver. 2.1). Publisher. https://doi.org/10.1234/5678
Key Points to Remember
- Always include DOI if available; use URL only if no DOI exists
- Do not include database information for academic research databases
- Include format information [eBook edition] only when necessary for clarity
- Use paragraph numbers, chapter numbers, or location numbers when page numbers are not available
- URLs should be live links in digital documents