ebooks: Referencing ebooks

This guide explains how to reference an ebook using the APA 7th referencing style.

The University style is APA 7th, here is a link to guide. If your department isn't using APA 7th then please refer to your departmental referencing guide.

How do I reference an ebook?

Referencing an ebook is very similar to referencing a print book. The format for an ebook reference using APA 7th will vary depending on whether the ebook has a DOI or not.

What is a DOI?

A DOI (Digital Object Identifer) is a unique set of numbers and letters assigned to an electronic publication on the Internet. The DOI means there is a persistent link to the location on the Internet.. The way an ebook is referenced changes dependant on whether the ebook has a DOI or not.  

How do I reference an ebook with a DOI?

Include the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) wherever possible.

• Author/s in format: Surname, Initial/s.
• Year of publication. (in round brackets) followed by a full stop
• Title of book. (in italics, followed by a full stop)
• Publisher. (followed by a full stop)
• DOI (as a web link)

Brincker, R., & Ventura, C. (2015). Introduction to operational modal analysis. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118535141

How do I reference an ebook without a DOI

For electronic books without a DOI include the web address from which it was retrieved.

• Author/s in format: Surname, Initial/s
• (Year of publication). (in round brackets, followed by a full stop)
• Title of book (in italics, followed by a full stop_
• Publisher. (followed by a full stop)
• http://www.xxxxx

Huggan, G., & Law, I. (Eds.). Racism postcolonialism Europe. Liverpool University Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt5vjc6k

Where will I find the DOI for an ebook?

In Library Search, click on the item title for more information about an ebook. Scroll down to the 'Details' section to find key information including the DOI, if the ebook has one.