How Do I Cite An Online Database Accurately?

Citing online databases accurately is crucial for academic integrity and credibility, especially when crafting content on platforms like gmonline.net. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for proper citation, ensuring your work is both authoritative and easily verifiable.

1. Why Is It Important to Know How to Cite an Online Database?

Knowing how to correctly cite an online database is essential for several reasons:

• Giving Credit: Proper citation gives credit to the original authors and researchers whose work you are using, avoiding plagiarism.
• Enhancing Credibility: Accurate citations enhance the credibility of your work by showing you’ve done thorough research and are relying on reliable sources.
• Enabling Verification: Citations allow readers to easily locate and verify the sources you used, which is important for transparency and trust.
• Following Academic Standards: In academic and professional settings, following citation standards like MLA, APA, or Chicago is crucial for meeting requirements.

2. What are the Main Citation Styles for Online Databases?

Several citation styles are commonly used for online databases:

• MLA (Modern Language Association): Often used in humanities disciplines.
• APA (American Psychological Association): Commonly used in social sciences, psychology, and education.
• Chicago/Turabian: Used in history, literature, and other humanities disciplines.

Each style has specific rules for formatting citations, so it’s important to choose the appropriate style for your field and follow its guidelines closely.

3. What Information Do I Need to Cite an Online Database?

To cite an online database effectively, gather the following information:

• Author: The person or organization responsible for the content.
• Title of Article/Entry: The specific title of the piece you are citing.
• Title of Database: The name of the database (e.g., JSTOR, ProQuest, ScienceDirect).
• Publisher: The entity that publishes the database.
• Publication Date: The date the content was published or last updated.
• DOI (Digital Object Identifier): A unique identifier for the article, if available.
• URL: The web address of the article or database.
• Access Date: The date you accessed the information.

Having all this information ensures your citation is complete and accurate.

4. How to Cite an Online Database in MLA Style?

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in humanities disciplines. Here’s How To Cite An Online Database in MLA:

Basic Format:

Author, Last name, First name. "Title of Article." Title of Database, Publisher, Publication Date, DOI (if available), URL. Accessed Date.

Example:

Alonso, Alvaro, and Julio A. Camargo. “Toxicity of Nitrite to Three Species of Freshwater Invertebrates.” Wiley Online Library, Environmental Toxicology, vol. 21, no. 1, 3 Feb. 2006, pp. 90-94. https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.20155. Accessed 26 May 2009.

Key Points for MLA:

• Italicize the title of the database and the title of the journal (if applicable).
• Use quotation marks for the article title.
• Include the DOI if available; otherwise, use the URL.
• List the access date to show when you retrieved the information.

5. How to Cite an Online Database in APA Style?

APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used in social sciences, psychology, and education. Here’s how to cite an online database in APA:

Basic Format:

Author, Last name, First initial. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), Page numbers. DOI (if available) or URL.

Example:

Langhamer, C. (2007). Love and Courtship in Mid-Twentieth-Century England. Historical Journal, 50(1), 173-96. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0018246X06005966

Key Points for APA:

• Use initials for the first and middle names of authors.
• Include the year of publication in parentheses.
• Italicize the title of the journal and the volume number.
• If a DOI is available, include it. If not, provide the URL.
• APA 7th edition generally omits the “Accessed from” date unless the source material is likely to change.

6. How to Cite an Online Database in Chicago Style?

Chicago/Turabian style is used in history, literature, and other humanities disciplines. Here’s how to cite an online database in Chicago:

Basic Format (Notes-Bibliography Style):

Author, Last name, First name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume, no. Issue (Year): Page numbers. Accessed Date. URL or DOI.

Example:

Wheelis, Mark. “Investigating Disease Outbreaks Under a Protocol to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.” Emerging Infectious Diseases 6, no. 6 (2000): 595-600. Accessed February 8, 2009. wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/6/6/00-0607_article.

Key Points for Chicago:

• Full author names are used in the bibliography.
• The title of the article is in quotation marks, and the journal title is italicized.
• Include the access date if the URL is not stable.
• Chicago style also includes footnotes or endnotes, which provide source information within the text.

7. What if the Online Database Article Doesn’t Have an Author?

If an online database article doesn’t have a listed author, use the following guidelines based on the citation style:

• MLA: Start the citation with the title of the article.
• APA: Use the title of the article in place of the author and move the publication year to follow the title.
• Chicago: Similar to MLA, begin with the title of the article.

Example (MLA):

“Athlete's Foot - Topic Overview.” WebMD, 25 Sept. 2014, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/athletes-foot-topic-overview. Accessed 6 July 2015.

8. How Do I Cite an Entire Website from an Online Database?

To cite an entire website from an online database, use the following format, adjusting for the specific citation style:

MLA:

Author, or compiler name (if available). Name of Site. Version number (if available), Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site (sponsor or publisher), date of resource creation (if available), DOI (preferred), otherwise include a URL or permalink. Date of access (if applicable).

Example (MLA):

The Purdue OWL Family of Sites. The Writing Lab and OWL at Purdue and Purdue U, 2008, owl.english.purdue.edu/owl. Accessed 23 Apr. 2008.

APA:

Author, A. (Year). Name of site. Retrieved from URL

Example (APA):

Purdue University. (2023). The Purdue OWL Family of Sites. Retrieved from owl.english.purdue.edu/owl

Chicago:

Author, First name Last name. Name of Site. URL. Accessed Date.

Example (Chicago):

Purdue University. The Purdue OWL Family of Sites. owl.english.purdue.edu/owl. Accessed April 23, 2008.

9. How Do I Cite an E-book Found in an Online Database?

Citing an e-book found in an online database is similar to citing a physical book, but with additional information about the database.

MLA:

Author, Last name, First name. Title of Book. e-book, Publisher, Publication Year. Title of Database, URL. Accessed Date.

Example (MLA):

Silva, Paul J. How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing. E-book, American Psychological Association, 2007.

APA:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher. URL

Example (APA):

Silva, P. J. (2007). How to write a lot: A practical guide to productive academic writing. American Psychological Association.

Chicago:

Author, First name Last name. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year. URL.

Example (Chicago):

Silva, Paul J. How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2007.

10. What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Citing Online Databases?

To ensure accurate citations, avoid these common mistakes:

• Incomplete Information: Missing author names, publication dates, or URLs.
• Incorrect Formatting: Not following the specific rules of the chosen citation style.
• Using the Wrong URL: Linking to a general database page instead of the specific article.
• Failing to Include Access Dates: For styles that require it, forgetting to include the date you accessed the information.
• Not Proofreading: Failing to check for errors in your citations.

11. What is a DOI, and Why is it Important to Include in Citations?

A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique, persistent identifier for an electronic document. It’s like a digital fingerprint that ensures a stable link to the content, even if the URL changes. Including the DOI in your citation is important because it makes it easier for readers to find the exact source you used.

12. How Do I Find the DOI for an Online Database Article?

You can find the DOI in several places:

• On the Article Page: Look for the DOI near the article title, abstract, or publication information.
• In the Database Record: The database record for the article often includes the DOI.
• Crossref: If you have the article title, you can search for the DOI on Crossref’s website (www.crossref.org).

13. What Should I Do if I Can’t Find a DOI or URL?

If you can’t find a DOI or URL, provide as much information as possible to help readers locate the source. This might include the database name, journal title, volume number, issue number, page range, and publication date. In some cases, you may need to consult with a librarian or citation expert for further assistance.

14. How Do I Cite a Journal Article from JSTOR?

JSTOR is a popular online database for academic journals, books, and primary sources. Here’s how to cite a journal article from JSTOR in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles:

MLA:

Author, Last name, First name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Publication Date, pp. Pages. JSTOR, URL. Accessed Date.

Example (MLA):

Langhamer, Claire. “Love and Courtship in Mid-Twentieth-Century England.” Historical Journal, vol. 50, no. 1, 2007, pp. 173-96. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/40066382. Accessed 27 May 2009.

APA:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), Page numbers. Retrieved from URL

Example (APA):

Langhamer, C. (2007). Love and courtship in mid-twentieth-century England. Historical Journal, 50(1), 173-196. Retrieved from www.jstor.org/stable/40066382

Chicago:

Author, First name Last name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume, no. Issue (Year): Page numbers. Accessed Date. URL.

Example (Chicago):

Langhamer, Claire. “Love and Courtship in Mid-Twentieth-Century England.” Historical Journal 50, no. 1 (2007): 173-96. Accessed May 27, 2009. www.jstor.org/stable/40066382.

15. How Do I Cite a Document from ProQuest?

ProQuest is a comprehensive database that provides access to dissertations, theses, newspapers, and journals. Here’s how to cite a document from ProQuest:

MLA:

Author, Last name, First name. "Title of Document." Title of Database, Publication Date, URL. Accessed Date.

Example (MLA):

Smith, John. "The Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns." ProQuest, 2023, www.proquest.com/docview/123456789. Accessed 15 July 2024.

APA:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of document. ProQuest. URL

Example (APA):

Smith, J. (2023). The impact of social media on political campaigns. ProQuest. www.proquest.com/docview/123456789

Chicago:

Author, First name Last name. "Title of Document." ProQuest, Publication Date. URL.

Example (Chicago):

Smith, John. "The Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns." ProQuest, 2023. www.proquest.com/docview/123456789.

16. Citing Open Access Databases

Open access databases provide free and unrestricted access to research. When citing open access databases, the process is similar to citing other online databases. Key steps include:

• Identifying the Database: Determine the name of the open access database (e.g., Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), PubMed Central).
• Collecting Citation Information: Gather all necessary information such as author, title, publication date, and URL.
• Using the Appropriate Citation Style: Follow the guidelines of your required citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago).

Example Citation (MLA):

Author, Last name, First name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Date of Publication, URL. Accessed Date.

17. Managing Citations Effectively

Effectively managing citations can save time and reduce errors. Some tips include:

• Using Citation Management Tools: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote can help you organize your sources and generate citations automatically.
• Creating a Citation Template: Develop a template for each citation style you commonly use to ensure consistency.
• Keeping Detailed Records: Maintain detailed records of all your sources, including URLs, DOIs, and access dates.
• Proofreading Regularly: Always proofread your citations to catch any errors.

18. What are the Best Practices for Online Research in Gaming and Esports?

When conducting online research for content related to gaming and esports, such as articles for gmonline.net, consider these best practices:

• Use Reputable Sources: Rely on trusted news outlets, industry reports, and academic research. For instance, information from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) provides valuable insights into the gaming industry. According to research from the ESA, in July 2025, 67% of American households have at least one person who plays video games regularly.
• Verify Information: Cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
• Stay Up-to-Date: The gaming and esports industries are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay current with the latest news and trends.
• Acknowledge Sources: Always give credit to the original sources of information to maintain transparency and avoid plagiarism.

19. Addressing the Challenges Faced by Online Gamers

Online gamers face numerous challenges, including staying updated with the latest game releases and trends, finding reliable guides to improve their skills, connecting with like-minded players, and discovering reputable esports tournaments.

• Keeping Updated: Many gamers struggle to keep up with the constant flow of new game releases, updates, and events.
• Finding Reliable Guides: It can be challenging to find accurate and effective guides to improve gameplay.
• Connecting with Others: Gamers often seek communities where they can share experiences and strategies.
• Discovering Tournaments: Finding legitimate and exciting esports tournaments can be difficult.

20. How Can gmonline.net Help Gamers Overcome These Challenges?

gmonline.net can provide valuable services to help gamers overcome these challenges:

• Curated News and Updates: Offering the latest news about game releases, updates, and industry trends.
• Comprehensive Guides and Tutorials: Providing detailed guides and tutorials to help gamers improve their skills.
• Community Forums: Creating a platform for gamers to connect, share experiences, and form teams.
• Tournament Listings: Listing reputable esports tournaments and events, along with schedules and results.

By offering these services, gmonline.net aims to become a go-to resource for gamers looking to stay informed, improve their skills, and connect with the gaming community.

21. How Can gmonline.net Incorporate User-Generated Content to Enhance Its Value?

Incorporating user-generated content can significantly enhance the value of gmonline.net by fostering a sense of community and providing diverse perspectives.

• Forums and Discussion Boards: Create forums where users can discuss games, strategies, and industry news.
• User Reviews: Allow users to review games and hardware, providing valuable insights for other gamers.
• Guides and Tutorials: Encourage users to submit their own guides and tutorials.
• Live Streams and Videos: Feature user-generated live streams and videos.

22. Leveraging Social Media to Promote gmonline.net

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting gmonline.net and reaching a wider audience. Effective strategies include:

• Creating Engaging Content: Share interesting articles, videos, and infographics related to gaming and esports.
• Using Relevant Hashtags: Use hashtags to increase visibility (e.g., #gamingnews, #esports, #gamertips).
• Running Contests and Giveaways: Attract followers by running contests and giveaways.
• Engaging with Followers: Respond to comments and messages to build relationships with your audience.

23. How Does gmonline.net Ensure the Accuracy and Reliability of Its Content?

Ensuring accuracy and reliability is crucial for maintaining credibility. gmonline.net should:

• Employ Experienced Writers: Hire writers with expertise in gaming and esports.
• Fact-Check All Content: Implement a rigorous fact-checking process.
• Cite Reputable Sources: Rely on trusted sources and cite them properly.
• Update Content Regularly: Keep content up-to-date with the latest information.

24. Exploring Emerging Trends in Online Gaming

Emerging trends in online gaming include:

• Cloud Gaming: Services like Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming allow players to stream games to various devices.
• Virtual Reality (VR): VR gaming offers immersive experiences.
• Augmented Reality (AR): AR games blend the virtual and real worlds.
• Blockchain Gaming: Games that use blockchain technology and NFTs are gaining popularity.

25. Building a Strong Community on gmonline.net

Building a strong community involves:

• Creating Forums and Discussion Boards: Provide spaces for gamers to connect and share their thoughts.
• Hosting Events and Tournaments: Organize online events and tournaments to bring the community together.
• Encouraging User Feedback: Solicit feedback from users to improve the platform.
• Recognizing Community Members: Highlight active and helpful community members.

26. How Can gmonline.net Monetize Its Content Effectively?

Effective monetization strategies include:

• Advertising: Displaying ads on the website.
• Affiliate Marketing: Partnering with gaming companies to promote their products.
• Subscription Services: Offering premium content or features for a subscription fee.
• Sponsored Content: Creating content sponsored by gaming brands.

27. Optimizing gmonline.net for Mobile Users

Optimizing for mobile users is essential:

• Responsive Design: Ensure the website is responsive and adapts to different screen sizes.
• Mobile-Friendly Navigation: Simplify navigation for mobile devices.
• Fast Loading Times: Optimize images and code to ensure fast loading times.
• Mobile App: Consider developing a mobile app for gmonline.net.

28. The Role of Esports in the Gaming Industry

Esports has become a significant part of the gaming industry, driving revenue and attracting millions of viewers. Key aspects of esports include:

• Professional Tournaments: Organized competitions with professional gamers.
• Streaming Platforms: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming broadcast esports events.
• Sponsorships: Esports teams and events are often sponsored by major brands.
• Growing Viewership: The viewership of esports events is increasing rapidly.

29. What are the Legal and Ethical Considerations in Online Gaming?

Legal and ethical considerations include:

• Copyright Infringement: Respecting the intellectual property rights of game developers.
• Data Privacy: Protecting the personal information of users.
• Fair Play: Promoting fair play and preventing cheating.
• Responsible Gaming: Encouraging responsible gaming habits and providing resources for problem gamers.

30. Staying Ahead of the Competition in the Gaming Content Market

To stay ahead:

• Innovate: Continuously develop new and engaging content formats.
• Analyze Data: Use data analytics to understand what content performs best.
• Engage with the Community: Listen to feedback and adapt to the needs of the community.
• Monitor Trends: Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in gaming.

31. How to Cite a Video Game in MLA, APA, and Chicago Style

Citing video games properly is important for academic and journalistic integrity. Here’s how to do it in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles:

MLA:

Title of Game. Version (if applicable), Developer, Publisher, Year.

Example (MLA):

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo EPD, Nintendo, 2017.

APA:

Developer. (Year). Title of game (Version). Platform. Publisher.

Example (APA):

Nintendo EPD. (2017). The legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo Switch. Nintendo.

Chicago:

Title of Game. Platform. Developed by Developer. Publisher, Year.

Example (Chicago):

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo Switch. Developed by Nintendo EPD. Nintendo, 2017.

32. Creating High-Quality Video Content for gmonline.net

Creating high-quality video content can significantly boost engagement and attract a larger audience. Key strategies include:

• Investing in Equipment: Use high-quality cameras, microphones, and editing software.
• Planning Content: Develop detailed scripts and storyboards.
• Optimizing for Search: Use relevant keywords in titles and descriptions.
• Promoting on Social Media: Share videos on social media platforms to reach a wider audience.

33. Understanding the Impact of Streaming on the Gaming Industry

Streaming has revolutionized the gaming industry, allowing gamers to share their experiences and build communities. Key aspects of streaming include:

• Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming: These platforms provide a space for gamers to stream their gameplay.
• Influencer Marketing: Streamers often partner with gaming companies to promote their products.
• Interactive Experiences: Streaming allows viewers to interact with streamers in real-time.
• Building Communities: Streamers often build strong communities around their channels.

34. What Are the Key Elements of a Successful Gaming Community?

A successful gaming community includes:

• Active Members: A group of engaged and active members.
• Clear Guidelines: Rules and guidelines to ensure a positive environment.
• Moderation: Active moderators to enforce the rules and address issues.
• Regular Events: Events and activities to keep members engaged.

35. Utilizing Data Analytics to Improve Content Strategy

Data analytics can provide valuable insights into what content performs best and how to optimize content strategy. Key metrics to track include:

• Page Views: The number of times a page is viewed.
• Bounce Rate: The percentage of visitors who leave the website after viewing only one page.
• Time on Page: The average amount of time visitors spend on a page.
• Social Shares: The number of times content is shared on social media.

36. How to Conduct Effective Keyword Research for Gaming Content

Effective keyword research is essential for attracting traffic to gaming content. Key steps include:

• Brainstorming: Generate a list of potential keywords related to gaming.
• Using Keyword Research Tools: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs to identify high-volume keywords.
• Analyzing Competitors: Analyze the keywords used by competitors.
• Targeting Long-Tail Keywords: Target long-tail keywords to attract more specific traffic.

37. What are the Best Practices for Creating Engaging Gaming Guides?

Creating engaging gaming guides involves:

• Providing Clear and Concise Instructions: Use clear and concise language to explain complex concepts.
• Using Visual Aids: Include images and videos to illustrate key points.
• Breaking Down Complex Topics: Divide complex topics into smaller, manageable sections.
• Adding Tips and Tricks: Include tips and tricks to help gamers improve their skills.

38. Strategies for Increasing Website Traffic to gmonline.net

To increase website traffic:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize the website for search engines.
• Social Media Marketing: Promote the website on social media platforms.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send out regular newsletters.
• Content Marketing: Create high-quality content that attracts and engages visitors.

By following these guidelines, you can accurately cite online databases and create credible, informative content for gmonline.net, appealing to a wide audience of gamers and esports enthusiasts. You can visit us at 10900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States. For any support please call us at +1 (310) 235-2000 or visit our website at gmonline.net.

FAQ: Citing Online Databases

1. What is an online database?

An online database is a structured collection of data organized for easy access and retrieval via the internet. These databases can contain articles, journals, books, and various other resources.

2. Why is it important to cite sources from online databases?

Citing sources from online databases is crucial to give credit to the original authors, avoid plagiarism, and enhance the credibility of your work by demonstrating thorough research.

3. What are the main citation styles for online databases?

The main citation styles include MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), and Chicago/Turabian, each with specific formatting rules.

4. What information do I need to cite an article from an online database?

You typically need the author’s name, article title, database name, publisher, publication date, DOI (if available), URL, and access date.

5. How do I cite an online database article with no author?

Start the citation with the title of the article, followed by the other required information.

6. What is a DOI, and why is it important?

A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique, persistent identifier for an electronic document, ensuring a stable link to the content even if the URL changes.

7. How do I find the DOI for an online database article?

Look for the DOI near the article title, abstract, or publication information, or in the database record. You can also search for it on Crossref’s website.

8. What should I do if I can’t find a DOI or URL?

Provide as much information as possible, including the database name, journal title, volume number, issue number, page range, and publication date.

9. How do I cite an entire website from an online database?

Include the author or compiler name (if available), name of the site, version number, affiliated institution/organization, date of resource creation, DOI (if preferred), or URL, and access date.

10. How can citation management tools help me?

Citation management tools like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote help you organize sources, generate citations automatically, and maintain detailed records, saving time and reducing errors.