Find DOI Numbers

How Do I Find DOI Numbers for My Journal Articles for APA Citations?

When citing journal articles in APA format, it’s important to include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) when available. DOIs provide a permanent link to the article, making it easier for readers to locate. While Google Scholar does a pretty good job of generating APA-style references, it often omits the DOI, meaning you’ll need to add it manually.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the DOI numbers for your journal articles:

Step 1: Use the Google Scholar Citation Tool

Google Scholar is a valuable resource for finding articles and generating APA-style citations quickly. It’s an easy first step for gathering most of the information you need for your citation, like the author, title, journal, and publication year. To use it:

1. Go to Google Scholar.
2. Type the article’s title or keywords in the search bar and hit “Enter.”
3. Once you find your article in the results list, click the quotation mark icon (“) under the article’s summary.
4. Select the APA citation from the pop-up window and copy it.

Remember, Google Scholar’s citations are helpful but often incomplete, particularly because they don’t include the DOI. You’ll need to add this manually.

Step 2: Check the Article’s Homepage

The DOI is often included on the first page of an article or in the online database where it’s published. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Journal’s Website: If you have access to the article, either through a database like JSTOR or directly on the journal’s website, open the full-text version of the article.
2. Look for the DOI: On the journal’s page or within the PDF of the article, the DOI is typically listed near the article’s title, abstract, or in the footer of the first page.
3. Copy the DOI: Once you’ve found the DOI, simply copy it to your clipboard to include in your citation.

Step 3: Use a DOI Lookup Tool

If you can’t access the full text of the article through a database or journal site, you can use a DOI lookup tool. One of the most reliable options is CrossRef:

1. Go to CrossRef’s DOI lookup tool.
2. Enter the title of the article, the author’s name, or the journal in the search fields.
3. Click “Search” and review the results. When you find the right article, the DOI will be listed.
4. Copy the DOI and paste it into your APA citation.

Step 4: Use the Article’s Citation on Other Platforms

Sometimes, platforms other than Google Scholar may provide a full APA citation, including the DOI. Academic databases like PubMed, EBSCOhost, or ProQuest often provide more complete citations:

1. Search in Databases: Log in to any academic databases you have access to, such as PubMed or EBSCOhost, and search for the article.
2. Check Citation Tools: Many of these platforms provide citation tools similar to Google Scholar’s but often include the DOI in the generated reference. Look for options like “Cite” or “Export Citation.”
3. Review the Citation: Double-check the generated citation to ensure that it includes the DOI, then copy it.

Step 5: Use Simple Google Searches

Sometimes you can find the DOI through a quick Google search:

1. Search with the Article Title: Type the full title of the article followed by the word “DOI” into the Google search bar.
2. Look at the Search Results: Often, this simple search will bring up the journal’s homepage, CrossRef information, or another reliable site that includes the DOI.
3. Copy the DOI: Once you find the DOI, you can copy it into your APA citation.

Step 6: Check with Your Institution’s Library

If you’re still unable to find the DOI, your institution’s library can be a helpful resource. Librarians often have access to subscription databases that provide full-text articles and their corresponding DOIs.

1. Ask a Librarian: Contact the library staff and explain that you need help locating the DOI for your article. They may have access to databases or resources that can retrieve this information.
2. Use the Library Website: Many libraries offer an online chat or helpdesk tool where you can request help finding a DOI or other citation information.

Adding the DOI to Your APA Citation

Once you’ve located the DOI, it’s time to add it to your APA citation. The DOI should be placed at the end of the reference, formatted as a URL. Here’s an example of how to do it:

Before adding the DOI:

Smith, J. A., & Doe, R. T. (2020). Understanding criminal justice reforms. Journal of Criminal Studies, 45(3), 120-130.

After adding the DOI:

Smith, J. A., & Doe, R. T. (2020). Understanding criminal justice reforms. Journal of Criminal Studies, 45(3), 120-130. https://doi.org/10.1037/arc0000156

Final Tips for Finding DOIs

• Always double-check that the DOI starts with “https://doi.org/” to ensure it’s in the correct format.
• If no DOI is available, you do not need to include one, but double-check that it’s not hidden within the article.
• Don’t use shortened DOI links in your APA citations. Always include the full DOI URL.

By following these steps, you can quickly find and add DOIs to your journal article citations, ensuring your references are accurate and easy to track down.

    

---

Developed by Adam J. McKee. 

[ Back to Research Tools ]

Last Modified: 10/02/2024