Chicago Style Citing Online Sources: Key Examples

Explore practical examples of Chicago Style citing online sources for effective academic writing.
By Jamie

Introduction to Chicago Style Citing Online Sources

The Chicago Manual of Style is widely used in the fields of humanities, particularly in history, literature, and the arts. Citing online sources properly is crucial for academic integrity and helps readers locate your references. Below are three practical examples of Chicago Style citing online sources, showcasing various types of materials.

Example 1: Academic Journal Article

A common use case for citing an online journal article is in a research paper discussing recent findings in a specific field. This example illustrates how to cite an article accessed through a database.

Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal Volume Number, no. Issue Number (Year): Page Range. URL.

Example:
Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change on Urban Development.” Journal of Urban Studies 45, no. 3 (2022): 123-145. https://www.examplejournal.com/climate-change-urban-development.

In this example, the author’s name is listed first, followed by the article title in quotation marks. The journal title is italicized, and the volume and issue numbers are provided, along with the publication year and page range. The URL at the end allows readers to access the article directly.

Example 2: Website with No Author

When citing a webpage without a specific author, it’s essential to provide the title of the page and the organization responsible for it. This is particularly useful for citing official reports or informational pages from reputable organizations.

“Title of Webpage.” Name of Website. Last modified Month Day, Year. URL.

Example:
“Global Education Monitoring Report 2023.” UNESCO. Last modified March 15, 2023. https://www.unesco.org/global-education-monitoring-report-2023.

In this case, the title of the webpage is placed in quotation marks, followed by the name of the website in italics. Including the last modification date is helpful for readers to understand when the information was updated, and the URL provides direct access to the source.

Example 3: Blog Post

Citing a blog post can be relevant when discussing contemporary issues or opinions. This example demonstrates how to properly reference a blog entry that provides commentary on a recent event.

Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Blog Post.” Name of Blog. Last modified Month Day, Year. URL.

Example:
Doe, Jane. “Understanding the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health.” Mental Health Insights. Last modified April 10, 2023. https://www.mentalhealthinsights.com/social-media-mental-health.

In this example, the blog post’s title is in quotation marks, while the blog’s name is italicized. The last modified date indicates when the content was updated, ensuring readers are aware of its recency. The URL directs readers to the specific blog post, facilitating easy access to the information.

By utilizing these examples of Chicago Style citing online sources, you can ensure that your academic writing is properly referenced, enhancing its credibility and clarity.