MLA citation style for an article retrieved from an Online Database

 

Note:  For authoritative information on MLA Style, consult the MLA Handbook for the Writers of Research Papers, 6th edition.

 

Using the correct citation format for an article retrieved from an online database can pose a challenge.  It helps if you know some of the terminology associated with databases. 

 

Individual databases like ERIC, Academic Search Elite, and MLA International Bibliography are accessed through services (the term “vendors” is also used.)  EbscoHost and Proquest are two of the most recognizable services at Medaille.   MLA style requires that the name of the database and service be indicated.  Additionally, the date and location the database was accessed from must also be included.  Finally, MLA style requires that if known, the general URL (web address) of the service be included.

 

 Look at this example:

 

 

Pittman, Craig.  “Fury Over a Gentle Giant” Smithsonian Feb. 2004: 54-60.  Academic Search Elite.  Ebscohost.  Medaille Coll. Lib., Buffalo. 8 Mar. 2004 <http://search.epnet.com/>.

 

 

 

Note that the first part of the citation (ending at the page numbers 54-60) is the same format as a printed magazine.  Then the database, Academic Search Elite, is indicated and underlined.  Ebscohost is the service.  The article was retrieved from Medaille College Library on March 8th 2004.  The general URL (web address) for Ebscohost is: http://search.epnet.com/.  That address is in angled brackets.

 

With some services, Proquest in particular, it can be difficult to determine which database an article came from.  A basic search in Proquest utilizes 4 databases, and the results do not indicate which databases they came from.  In this case it is acceptable to omit the database from the citation.

 

Here is an example:

 

 

McIntyre, Thomas.  “The Wolf;  Will the alpha predator change your hunting?”  Field & Stream Feb. 2004: 44.  Proquest. Medaille Coll. Libr., Buffalo.  8 Mar. 2004  <http://www.umi.com/proquest/>. 

 


This chart outlines some of the most heavily used services and databases at Medaille College.  

 

Many of the databases also offer a “how to cite” link to assist you.

 

 

Service and general URL

 

 

Some databases through this service at Medaille College

 

 

EBSCOhost

<http://search.epnet.com/>

 

  • Academic Search Elite
  • Business Source Elite
  • ERIC
  • Health Source:  Nursing/Academic Edition
  • PsycArticles
  • PsycINFO
  • MLA International Bibliography

 

 

Proquest

<http://www.umi.com/proquest/>

 

Note:  Proquest will generate a bibliography for you.  Consult the “Help” link for instructions (enter the key word “bibliography” into the help screen search box.)

 

 

  • ABI/INFORM Global
  • American Medical Association
  • Proquest Newspapers
  • Research Library

 

Lexis Nexis

 <http://www.lexisnexis.com/universe>

 

 

Academic

 

 

CQ Electronic Library

<http://library.cqpress.com/>

 

 

CQ Researcher Online

 

Gale Group Databases

<http://www.infotrac.galegroup.com/>

 

  • Gale Literary Databases
  • New York State Newspapers
  • Business and Company Resource Center
  • Health Reference Center Academic

 

 

This page last updated 08/26/05