Citing Online Sources

In our work with the Bryant Watershed Atlas, we have had direct experience with the confusion that surrounds the use of online material. Because it is so simple to copy and paste everything from text to graphics from an Internet source into our own documents, it becomes very easy to plagiarize and infringe on copyrighted material. This new technology requires new methods, and increased awareness. Guidelines are still in the process of development. Here are our suggestions, based on current MLA guidelines but simplified for younger users.

Online Reference Sources

Title of the work in italics, complete address for material cited (copied from browser address line), and the date of access in parentheses.

Example using one of the Karst Vocabulary words:

groundwater
syllab.: groundwater (ground-wa-ter)
Pronunciation:  graund waw tEr
Definition 1: the water beneath the earth's surface that supplies springs and wells.
Merriam Webster Word Central,
http://www.wordcentral.com

Web Site Sources

Author's name if known, title of page in quotes if known, title of the complete work in italics, complete address for material cited (copied from browser address line), and the date of access in parentheses.

Example from the Watershed Atlas:

"The groundwater flows underground from one place to another to feed the creeks and our wells." Hank Dorst and Peter Callaway, "Hydrology of the Bryant Watershed", Bryant Watershed Atlas,  http://watersheds.org/earth/hydrology.htm (3/15/01)

More Information and Examples

See The Columbia Guide to Online Style by Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor (Columbia UP, 1998), or visit Ms. Walker's website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/cgos/idx_basic.html

COPYRIGHT and SCHOOLS, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Download a detailed PDF document on this issue, as well as printable brochures for students and others.
http://www.dese.state.mo.us/divimprove/curriculum/copyright/index.htm