How to Cite if the Author is an Organization APA
Citing sources in APA style can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when the author of the source is an organization rather than an individual. In APA formatting, when the author is an organization, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure your citation is accurate and complete. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite sources with an organizational author in APA style.
1. Start with the Organization’s Name
When citing a source with an organizational author, the first element of the citation should be the organization’s name. Write the name in title case, capitalizing the first letter of each major word. If the organization’s name is long and has multiple words, you can omit any articles, prepositions, or conjunctions that are not essential to the meaning of the name.
Example: American Psychological Association (APA)
2. Include the Publication Date
After the organization’s name, include the publication date of the source. The date should be written in parentheses, with the year first, followed by the month and day, if available. If the date is not provided, you can omit it.
Example: (2020, June 15)
3. Cite the Title of the Source
Next, include the title of the source. If the source is a book, article, or report, capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title. If the source is a webpage or an online document, only capitalize the first word and any proper nouns.
Example: (2020, June 15). How to Cite Sources in APA Style
4. Provide the Source’s Publication Information
For print sources, include the publisher’s name and the location of publication. For online sources, include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) of the source.
Example: (2020, June 15). How to Cite Sources in APA Style. American Psychological Association, Washington, DC. guidelines
5. In-text Citations
When citing an organizational author in-text, use the organization’s name in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase. If you’re referring to the organization itself, you can use the organization’s name without parentheses.
Example: APA (2020) provides a comprehensive guide on how to cite sources in APA style.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your citations with an organizational author are accurate and adhere to APA style guidelines. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your assignment or publication to ensure you’re meeting all the necessary criteria.
