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