Harvard Referencing: Electronic Sources Examples

Explore practical examples of using Harvard referencing for electronic sources in research papers.
By Jamie

Understanding Harvard Referencing for Electronic Sources

Harvard referencing is a widely accepted citation style used in academic writing. It requires writers to credit the sources of information they use, helping to enhance the credibility of their work. In this context, electronic sources such as websites, online articles, and e-books are increasingly common. Below are three diverse examples that demonstrate how to reference electronic sources using the Harvard style.

Example 1: Citing a Website

Context

This example demonstrates how to cite a webpage that provides valuable information for research purposes, such as a government or educational website.

The following is the citation:

Author(s) Last name, First initial(s). (Year) Title of the webpage. Available at: URL (Accessed: Date).

For instance:

Smith, J. (2022) Climate Change and Its Impact on Biodiversity. Available at: https://www.environment.gov/climate-change-biodiversity (Accessed: 15 October 2023).

Notes

  • When no author is available, use the organization as the author.
  • Always ensure to include the date you accessed the site, as online content can change.

Example 2: Citing an Online Journal Article

Context

In this example, we will reference an article from an online academic journal, which is essential for demonstrating scholarly research.

The format is:

Author(s) Last name, First initial(s). (Year) ‘Title of the article’, Title of the Journal, Volume number(Issue number), page range. Available at: URL (Accessed: Date).

For example:

Doe, A. and Lee, B. (2023) ‘The Role of Technology in Modern Education’, Journal of Educational Research, 12(3), pp. 45-67. Available at: https://www.journalofeducationalresearch.com/technology-education (Accessed: 20 October 2023).

Notes

  • Include the page range for articles when available.
  • If the article has a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), it can also be included for more precise referencing.

Example 3: Citing an E-book

Context

This example illustrates how to reference an e-book, which is increasingly used in academic research, especially in literature reviews.

The format for an e-book citation is:

Author(s) Last name, First initial(s). (Year) Title of the book. Place of publication: Publisher. Available at: URL (Accessed: Date).

Example:

Johnson, M. (2021) Understanding Data Science. London: Data Press. Available at: https://www.datapress.com/understanding-data-science (Accessed: 22 October 2023).

Notes

  • Always include the place of publication and the publisher’s name.
  • If the e-book is accessed via a specific platform (like Kindle or Google Books), that can also be noted in the URL section.

By following these examples of using Harvard referencing for electronic sources, you can ensure that your research is credible and well-supported, adhering to academic standards.