How to Cite an Encyclopedia in APA
Encyclopedias can provide detailed information on various topics and can serve as a great resource for any paper. This guide will show you how to format citations for an encyclopedia based on APA 7th edition guidelines.
Guide Overview
- Citing a print encyclopedia entry in APA (individual author)
- Citing an online encyclopedia entry in APA (individual author)
- Citing an online encyclopedia entry in APA (organization as author, date known)
- Citing an online encyclopedia entry in APA (organization as author, date unknown)
Citing a print encyclopedia entry in APA (individual author)
| Reference Page | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Last name, F. M. (Publication year). Entry title. In Encyclopedia title. (Vol. XX, pp. XX-XX). Publisher. |
| Example |
McGhee, K., & McKay, G. (2007). Insects. In Encyclopedia of animals. (p.175). National Geographic Society. |
Note: Tertiary sources are not typically appropriate for research papers. Check with your instructor.
Citing an online encyclopedia entry in APA (individual author)
| Reference Page | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Last name, F. M. (Publication Year, Month Day). Entry title. In Encyclopedia title. Publisher. URL |
| Example |
McGhee, K., & McKay, G. (2007). Insects. In Encyclopedia of animals. National Geographic Society. https://www.urlgoeshere.com |
Citing an online encyclopedia entry in APA (organization as author, date known)
When an organization is both the article author and publisher, only include the organization’s name in the beginning of the citation (as the author).
| Reference Page | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Organization Name. (Publication Year, Month Day). Entry title. In Encyclopedia title. URL |
| Example |
Encyclopedia Britannica. (2008, June 27) Placental mammals. In Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/animal/placental-mammal |
Citing an online encyclopedia entry in APA (organization as author, date unknown)
When an organization is both the article author and publisher, only include the organization’s name in the beginning of the citation (as the author).
When an online article’s date is unknown, place “n.d.” for “no date” in the publications space, and add a retrieved date.
| Reference Page | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Organization Name. (n.d.). Entry title. In Encyclopedia title. Retrieved month day, year, from URL |
| Example |
Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Placental mammals. In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved June 1, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/animal/placental-mammal |
