How to Cite Advance Online Publications

Learn how to cite articles that have been published online ahead of their inclusion in a journal issue.

Basic Format

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/xxx

Example:

Smith, J. D., & Johnson, M. R. (2023). New research methods in digital environments. Journal of Research Methods. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1234/jrm.2023.789

Format Guidelines

Publication Status

  • Include "Advance online publication" after the journal title
  • Do not include volume, issue, or page numbers
  • Always include DOI when available

Article Information

  • Use the year of online publication
  • Format title and journal name as usual
  • Include any article numbers if assigned

In-Text Citations

Narrative Citation

Smith and Johnson (2023) found that...
According to Smith and Johnson (2023)...

Parenthetical Citation

...(Smith & Johnson, 2023)
...(Smith & Johnson, 2023, para. 5)

Special Cases

Article with Version Number

Some advance online publications include version numbers

Wilson, K. L. (2023). Digital research methods [Version 2]. Online Research Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1234/orj.v2

Updated Version

When citing an updated version of an advance online publication

Brown, R. T. (2023). Research findings [Updated from 2022 version]. Digital Methods Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1234/dmj.2023.456

When Article is Formally Published

Once the article is formally published in a journal issue:

  • Update the reference to include volume, issue, and page numbers
  • Remove "Advance online publication" note
  • Keep the original year of publication
  • Update the DOI if it has changed

Smith, J. D., & Johnson, M. R. (2023). New research methods in digital environments. Journal of Research Methods, 15(4), 234-256. https://doi.org/10.1234/jrm.2023.789

Key Points to Remember

  • Always check if the article has been formally published before citing
  • Include "Advance online publication" note for unpublished articles
  • Use paragraph numbers instead of page numbers for direct quotes
  • Keep track of articles you cite for potential updates
  • Update references when articles are formally published