In-text citation:
* If the website name is short and easily incorporated into the sentence, you can use it directly: ("Website Name," 2023).
* If the website name is long or awkward in a sentence, use a shortened version: ("Website Name," 2023). Make sure the shortened version is clear and easily identifiable with the full name in the reference list.
* If there's no clear website name, use a descriptive title of the page: ("Information on Pandas," 2023).
Reference list entry:
* With a clear Website Name:
Website Name. (Year, Month Day). *Title of page*. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL
Example:
National Park Service. (2023, March 15). *Yellowstone National Park*. Retrieved June 12, 2023, from https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
* With no clear website name, using a descriptive title:
Title of Page. (Year, Month Day). Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL
Example:
Information on Pandas. (2023, April 20). Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://www.example.com/pandas
Important Considerations:
* Year: Use the copyright year if available. If not, use the most recent update date or access date as a last resort.
* Month Day: Include the month and day if available.
* URL: Always include the full URL.
* Italics: Italicize the title of the webpage (not the website name unless it's a journal or similar).
* Accuracy: Double-check that all information is accurate and consistent between your in-text citation and reference list. If there are multiple pages relevant to your research, create separate references for each page rather than attempting to cite a large website.
If you are struggling to find sufficient information for a proper citation, consider whether the website is a reliable source for academic work. You may need to find a more authoritative source.