Research Basics: Finding Scholarly Journal Articles

There are several ways to create an MLA or APA citation for your scholarly article.  It is important to proofread all computer-generated citations.  

• Use the citation function within a library database to generate a citation. 
• Use a citation generator such as ZoteroBib to create a citation. 
• Follow the instructions in the Kalamazoo Valley Libraries Citation Guide. 
  • MLA Quick Format and MLA Examples
  • APA Quick Format and APA Examples
• Use the Purdue OWL as a guide. 
  •  MLA Works Cited: Electronic Sources
  • APA Reference List: Electronic Sources
• Consult the appropriate citation handbook.  

DOI = Digital Object Identifier

• A unique code or a unique URL (webpage link) given to a journal article. 
• Include a DOI in your citations listed in APA References or MLA Works Cited.  

DOI Examples: 

• 10.1080/02602938.2020.1845606
• https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2020.1845606

Example APA Citation with DOI: 

• Fokkens-Bruinsma, M., Vermue, C., Deinum, J.-F., & van Rooij, E. (2021). First-year academic achievement: the role of academic self-efficacy, self-regulated learning and beyond classroom engagement. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 46(7), 1115–1126. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2020.1845606

URL = Universal resource locator

• A unique link given to a website page, found in an internet browser search box. 
• Use the URL in your citation in your References or Works Cited page, if DOI is unavailable. 
• When using an article from a database, use the "Permalink" or "Link," instead of using the URL in the browser search box.