How do I cite page numbers in ebooks?
How do I identify the page or section number in different ebook platforms?
Answer
You may encounter different formats when viewing ebooks, the main two are PDF and EPUB. Depending on the database, the ebook may be available in either PDF or EPUB, quite often in both formats. Different formats may require different ways of referencing. Follow the guidelines below for referencing pages within an ebook.
1. identify the format you are viewing the ebook in (EPUB or PDF),
2. identify the page or section number; and
3. cite the pages using the appropriate referencing guidelines.
SAE subscribes to a number of ebook platforms. Examples of the different ebook views in these platforms are shown below.
EPUB
EPUB provides an adaptive format which changes from screen to screen. This means that the way the EPUB reader organises pages will differ across devices. When creating citations, refer to the guidance on formatting APA7 references: Ebooks without page numbers.
PDFs will have page numbers displayed on the page. Format your citations using the guidance: Ebooks with page numbers.
2. Identify the page or section number
Ebook Central opens the ebook in a reader which contains location numbers.
- Do not include ebook location numbers with in-text citations as the EPUB or Kindle formats do not retain the page numbers of the print version.
- Instead, provide a page number, where available (many books will provide a PDF version; see how to switch to the PDF view).
- If no page numbers are available, as in EPUB and some PDF versions, use: Ebooks without page numbers.
Ebook Central: EPUB
- EPUB versions do not have page numbers and will have the reader location numbers instead.
- Do not use the location number for in-text citations.
Ebook Central: PDF
- Most PDF versions will have a location number and a page number.
- Use the page number when creating in-text citations.
- Sometimes, PDFs may not have page numbers. When this occurs, use the guidance: Ebooks without page numbers.
- When searching within the EBSCOhost platform, different viewing options may be available from the dropdown "Access options".
- Generally, when only one link to the resource is offered, the EBSCO book will display in PDF format.
EBSCOhost: EPUB
- EPUB versions do not have page numbers.
- Use the referencing guidance: Ebooks without page numbers.
EBSCOhost: PDF
- PDF versions may have both page numbers and location numbers.
- Use page numbers for citations as location numbers don't always match the page number.
- Switch between PDF and EPUB views in downloads or in the reader (Read Online).
Taylor & Francis: EPUB
- EPUB versions do not have page numbers.
- Use the referencing advice: Ebooks without page numbers.
Taylor & Francis: PDF
3. Cite the page numbers using the appropriate referencing guidelines.
- Ebooks with page numbers:
- Using in-text citations
- Visit the book section of the APA guide for more book-referencing examples.
- Ebooks without page numbers:
- Direct quotation and paraphrasing from material without page numbers (at the bottom of the page).
It's always best to check with your lecturer for further clarification. If you'd like further assistance with formatting your reference contact a librarian via the chat below.