How to Cite EBSCO in MLA 9 Format

What “EBSCO citation format” means in MLA 9

EBSCO is not a citation style. It is a database platform that provides access to articles, magazines, newspapers, ebooks, reports, and other sources. When people say “EBSCO citation format,” they usually mean one of two things:

1. Citing a source you found in an EBSCO database in MLA 9, for example an academic journal article accessed through EBSCOhost.
2. Using the prebuilt citation tool inside EBSCO, then editing it to match MLA 9 rules and your instructor’s expectations.

In MLA 9, you cite the original work (the article, ebook, news story), and you also include the database name and a stable link (often a DOI or a persistent URL) because you accessed it through EBSCO.

The core MLA 9 pattern for database sources (EBSCO)

Most sources from EBSCO follow this general order:

Author. “Title of Source.” Title of Container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, location. Second Container (the database name), location (DOI or URL). Accessed Day Month Year.

For EBSCO sources, the “second container” is usually the database, such as Academic Search Complete or Business Source Complete. The “location” is ideally a DOI. If there is no DOI, use a stable URL (often called “Permalink” in EBSCO).

Why MLA uses “containers”

A container is where a work is housed. A journal article is inside a journal, and when you read it through EBSCO, that journal article is also inside the EBSCO database. Listing containers helps readers retrace your path and find the same item.

Author rules you must follow (and why they matter)

Your rules focus on author names because author formatting affects alphabetizing in Works Cited and clarity for readers.

One author

• Use full first names, not initials.
• Invert the first author’s name: Last, First Middle.

Why it matters: Inversion supports alphabetical order in Works Cited. Full first names reduce confusion between authors with similar initials.

Two authors

• First author is inverted.
• Second author is normal order.
• Use and between names.

Format:
Last, First Middle, and First Last.

Why it matters: MLA treats two authors as equal collaborators, so both names appear. Using “and” is the MLA standard and reads naturally.

Three or more authors

• List only the first author (inverted, full first name).
• Add et al. after the first author.
• Do not list any additional authors before et al.

Format:
Last, First Middle, et al.

Why it matters: This keeps citations readable and consistent, especially for research articles with long author lists.

No author

• Start with the title.
• Do not use “Anonymous” or “n.d.”
• For alphabetizing, ignore A, An, The at the start of the title.

Why it matters: MLA prioritizes information that helps readers locate the source. If no author is credited, the title is the most reliable starting point.

What to include for EBSCO sources (and what to avoid)

Use the database name as a second container

After the journal or magazine title and page range, add the database name in italics, for example Academic Search Complete.

Prefer DOI over URL

• If a DOI is available, use it.
• If no DOI, use EBSCO’s Permalink or another stable URL.

Tip: Avoid copying the long URL from your browser’s address bar. EBSCO sessions often create temporary links that break.

Include an access date when helpful

MLA 9 says access dates are optional, but they are often helpful for database content, especially when links change or content updates. Many instructors still prefer them.

Keep capitalization and italics correct

• Article titles go in quotation marks.
• Journal, magazine, newspaper, database, and book titles go in italics.
• Use MLA title case for English titles, capitalize major words.

Examples (with detailed explanations)

Example 1: Journal article from an EBSCO database (two authors)

Works Cited entry (MLA 9):
Nguyen, Minh Tuan, and Sarah Johnson. “Social Media Use and Sleep Quality Among College Students.” Journal of Health Communication, vol. 28, no. 3, 2023, pp. 215-229. Academic Search Complete, https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2023.1234567. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

Why this is formatted correctly

• Authors: First author inverted, full first name. Second author normal order. Uses and.
• Article title: In quotation marks.
• Journal title: Italicized as the first container.
• Volume and issue: Included as vol. and no.
• Year and pages: Included as publication date and location within the journal.
• Database name: Italicized as the second container.
• DOI: Used as the best stable locator.
• Access date: Included for database access clarity.

Practical tip

If EBSCO provides both a DOI and a permalink, choose the DOI first. It is more stable and widely recognized.

Example 2: Magazine or news article from EBSCO (no author)

Works Cited entry (MLA 9):
“Retail Prices Rise as Shipping Delays Continue.” The Economist, 18 May 2024, pp. 42-44. Business Source Complete, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=174563210. Accessed 2 June 2025.

Why this is formatted correctly

• No author: The citation starts with the title in quotation marks. This follows MLA rules and avoids placeholders like “Anonymous.”
• Periodical title: The Economist is italicized.
• Date: Full date is used because magazines and newspapers often publish by day and month.
• Page range: Included when available.
• Database name: Business Source Complete is italicized.
• Stable link: Uses an EBSCO link that identifies the item. A permalink is often better than a copied browser link.

Common pitfall

Many students accidentally italicize the article title and put the magazine title in quotation marks. In MLA, it is the opposite. Short works like articles use quotation marks. Containers like magazines use italics.

Example 3: Scholarly article with three or more authors (use et al.)

Works Cited entry (MLA 9):
Martinez, Isabella, et al. “Urban Green Space and Mental Health Outcomes in Adults.” Environmental Psychology Review, vol. 15, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1-19. Academic Search Complete, https://doi.org/10.1016/evpr.2022.000123. Accessed 9 Sept. 2025.

Why this is formatted correctly

• Three or more authors: Only the first author is listed, inverted, full first name, followed by et al.
• All key containers present: Journal first, database second.
• DOI included: Provides a stable path to the article.

Practical tip

Do not write “Martinez, Isabella, Maria Chen, and David Lee.” Under your rules, that is incorrect for three or more authors. Use “Martinez, Isabella, et al.”

Why these rules matter in real coursework

They make your Works Cited easy to scan

Inverted first authors create consistent alphabetical sorting. That helps readers quickly find entries.

They reduce confusion

Full first names help distinguish authors, especially when multiple researchers share a last name and first initial.

They help your reader find the exact source

Database names and stable links show where you accessed the item and how to retrieve it. This is especially important when a library subscription controls access.

They prevent accidental plagiarism

Clear citations show exactly what you used and where it came from. That protects you and strengthens your credibility.

Practical tips for using EBSCO’s citation tool (without trusting it blindly)

1. Use it as a draft, not a final answer. Database-generated citations can have incorrect capitalization, missing containers, or messy URLs.
2. Check the author names carefully. Convert initials to full first names when you can confirm them from the article PDF, the author page, or the journal site.
3. Replace unstable URLs. Use DOI first. If no DOI, use EBSCO’s permalink.
4. Confirm italics and quotation marks. Article title in quotes, journal and database in italics.
5. Watch for missing issue numbers or page ranges. Add them if they are available in the record or PDF.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Using initials instead of full first names. This violates your required rule set and can reduce clarity.
• Forgetting the database name. If you found it in EBSCO, include the database as a second container.
• Using the wrong link. Avoid session-based URLs. Prefer DOI or permalink.
• Listing all authors for three or more. Use first author plus et al.
• Starting with the database name. MLA citations start with the author or title of the work, not with EBSCO.

Quick checklist for an EBSCO MLA 9 Works Cited entry

• Author formatted correctly (full first names, first author inverted).
• Correct author count rule (two authors use and, three or more use et al.).
• Title of article in quotation marks.
• Journal or periodical title italicized.
• Volume, issue, date, and pages included when available.
• Database name italicized.
• DOI preferred, otherwise permalink or stable URL.
• Access date included if your instructor expects it.

If you tell me what type of source you are citing (journal article, newspaper article, ebook) and paste the EBSCO record details, I can format a correct MLA 9 Works Cited entry using your exact author rules.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Common Errors for Ebsco Citations

Validation Checklist

Special Cases

What “citing EBSCO” means in MLA 9

In MLA 9, you are not really citing “EBSCO” as the author or publisher. EBSCO is usually the database platform that provides access to an article, ebook, report, or other item. In most cases, you cite the original source (journal, book, magazine, newspaper, report) and then add the database name as the “container” that helped you access it.

Think of an EBSCO citation as having two layers:

1. The work itself, for example, a journal article.
2. The database container, for example, Academic Search Complete on EBSCOhost.

This matters because MLA wants readers to locate the same item. The journal title, volume, issue, date, pages, and DOI are usually more important for identification than the database. The database is still useful when the item is hard to find outside that platform.

The key edge case, DOI versus database permalink

If a DOI exists, use it, and EBSCO becomes less important

A DOI is the most stable locator. When an article has a DOI, MLA prefers it over a database URL. You can still include the database name as a second container if you accessed it there, but the DOI is what most readers can use reliably.

Practical tip: In EBSCO records, DOIs can appear in the detailed record, the PDF header, or the “Cite” tool output. Always verify the DOI, because the auto citation sometimes omits it.

If no DOI exists, use a stable database link when possible

EBSCO often provides multiple links. Some are session based and break later. Look for a permalink or “stable URL” option. If you only have a long link with many parameters, it may still work, but it is more likely to fail.

Common pitfall: Copying the browser address bar URL after logging in through a library proxy. That link often expires or only works for your institution.

Author name edge cases, and how your rules affect them

Full first names, not initials

Database metadata often shows initials, even when the full name exists elsewhere. Your rule requires full first names, so you should check the PDF, the journal webpage, or another library record to expand initials when you can.

Why it matters: Full names reduce confusion between authors with similar initials and better respect author identity. It also improves the accuracy of your Works Cited list.

Two authors versus three or more

Follow your rules exactly:
- Two authors: first author inverted, second author normal order, joined by and.
- Three or more: first author inverted, then et al. only.

Common pitfall: Listing all authors because EBSCO displays a long author list. MLA allows shortening, and your rule requires shortening for three or more.

Corporate authors and group authors

Some EBSCO items list an organization as author, such as “World Health Organization.” Use the organization as the author. Do not invert it like a personal name.

Edge case: If both a group and individuals are listed, choose the author that the source itself presents as responsible. For reports, it is often the organization.

Title and container edge cases, especially for “no author” items

No author

When no author is given, start with the title. Use quotation marks for short works like articles, and italics for standalone works like books or full reports.

Why it matters: MLA organizes Works Cited alphabetically. Starting with the title is the standard way to keep the entry findable without inventing an author like “Anonymous.”

Articles with “untitled” labels in EBSCO

Occasionally, EBSCO records show missing titles or odd placeholders. If the PDF has a real title, use that. If the work truly has no title, you may need a description like “Editorial” or “Letter to the editor,” but only when the source itself uses that label.

Common pitfall: Using the database’s internal label rather than the article’s real title.

Page numbers, article numbers, and “PDF pagination” problems

When EBSCO provides page ranges, use them

For journal articles, MLA prefers the page range from the journal, such as 155-172.

When the journal uses article numbers instead of pages

Some journals use an article number, such as e01523, instead of page ranges. In that case, include the article number as the locator if it is part of the official publication information.

When EBSCO only shows PDF page counts

EBSCO sometimes shows “Length: 12 pages” or a PDF page count that does not match the journal’s pagination. Prefer the journal’s page numbers if available. If none exist, you can omit page numbers rather than inserting the PDF count as if it were official pagination.

Practical tip: Check the first page of the PDF for the journal’s page numbers.

Dates, “advance online publication,” and conflicting metadata

Conflicting dates between EBSCO and the PDF

EBSCO metadata sometimes lists an online posting date, an issue date, and a database “date of release.” MLA wants the date that belongs to the source’s publication.

• For a journal article in an issue, use the issue date.
• For an online only article without an issue assignment, use the online publication date.

Common pitfall: Using the database’s “accession date” or “date added to database.” That date is not the publication date.

Which EBSCO name to list as the database container

EBSCOhost is the platform, but your library subscription might be titled Academic Search Complete, Business Source Complete, CINAHL, and so on. In MLA 9, you typically list the database name as the container, italicized.

Edge case: If you cannot determine the database name clearly, you can use EBSCOhost as the container. It is better than leaving the database out when the item is hard to find elsewhere.

Common pitfall: Writing “EBSCO” as the publisher. The publisher is usually the journal’s publisher, not EBSCO.

Example 1, Journal article from an EBSCO database with a DOI

Works Cited entry (formatted correctly):
Nguyen, Linh Maria, and Carlos Javier Ortega. “Community Health Outreach in Rural Counties.” Journal of Public Health Practice, vol. 18, no. 2, 2023, pp. 155-172. https://doi.org/10.1177/1234567890123456. Academic Search Complete.

Why this is correct, and what edge cases it solves:
- Two authors: “Nguyen, Linh Maria” is inverted, “Carlos Javier Ortega” is not inverted, and they are joined by and, matching your rules.
- DOI included: The DOI is the most stable link, so it is used instead of an EBSCO URL.
- Database as container: Academic Search Complete is included to show where you accessed it, but it does not replace the journal details.

Common pitfalls to avoid:
- Do not write “Nguyen, L. M.” because your rule requires full first names.
- Do not paste an EBSCO session URL when a DOI exists.

Example 2, Three or more authors, no DOI, use a stable EBSCO link

Works Cited entry (formatted correctly):
Patel, Anika Rani, et al. “Supply Chain Disruptions and Small Business Recovery.” Journal of Applied Management Studies, vol. 11, no. 4, 2021, pp. 44-63. Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=123456789&site=ehost-live.

Why this is correct, and what edge cases it solves:
- Three or more authors: Only the first author is listed, inverted, then et al. This matches your rule and keeps the entry readable.
- No DOI: A stable EBSCO link is used. The database and platform are identified so a reader can reproduce the search if needed.
- Database container is clear: Business Source Complete is the database, and “EBSCOhost” clarifies the platform.

Common pitfalls to avoid:
- Do not list all authors before “et al.”
- Do not use a link copied from the address bar that includes long proxy strings if you can find the permalink.

Example 3, No author, magazine article in EBSCO

Works Cited entry (formatted correctly):
“Electric Vehicles and the New Grid.” The Atlantic, 15 Sept. 2022, pp. 28-33. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=987654321&site=ehost-live.

Why this is correct, and what edge cases it solves:
- No author: The citation starts with the title in quotation marks, which is correct for an article.
- Magazine date format: The full date is used because magazines often publish by day and month.
- Database included: This helps readers retrieve the article if the magazine’s site is paywalled or the print issue is hard to access.

Common pitfalls to avoid:
- Do not insert “Anonymous” or “n.d.”
- Do not italicize the article title, only the magazine title.

Practical tips for avoiding EBSCO citation errors

• Do not trust the EBSCO “Cite” tool blindly. It often outputs initials, wrong capitalization, missing DOIs, or unstable URLs. Use it as a starting point, then correct it.
• Prefer the PDF for authoritative details. The PDF usually has the exact article title, author names, page range, and sometimes the DOI.
• Use the database name, not just “EBSCO.” If you can identify Academic Search Complete or another database, use that as the italicized container.
• Keep punctuation and order consistent. MLA’s structure is designed for scanning, especially in a Works Cited list. Small formatting mistakes can make entries harder to interpret.

Why these rules matter in MLA 9

MLA citations are not just about avoiding plagiarism. They are about helping readers find the exact source you used. EBSCO adds extra complexity because it sits between you and the original publication. When you handle edge cases correctly, like choosing a DOI over a database link, using full first names, and applying the correct author rules, your citations become clearer, more respectful to authors, and more useful to anyone verifying your research.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite an article I found on EBSCO in MLA 9?

In MLA 9, you usually cite the original source (like the journal article) and treat EBSCO as the database container. Start with the article author, then the article title in quotation marks. Next list the journal title in italics, volume, issue, year, and page range. After that, add the database name (often “EBSCOhost” or the specific database like “Academic Search Complete”) in italics, then the DOI or a stable URL, and finally the access date if your instructor wants it or if the content is likely to change. Practical scenario, if you downloaded a PDF from EBSCO, you still cite it as a journal article, not as a “PDF.” For official guidance, see MLA’s works cited format overview: https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/ and database examples: https://style.mla.org/citing-database-articles/.

Do I cite EBSCO or the journal, and where does EBSCO go in the citation?

Cite the journal (or magazine, newspaper, or book) as the main source, because that is what you actually read. EBSCO is the platform that delivered it, so it usually appears as the second container. Practical scenario, you find “The Atlantic” article inside EBSCO. Your citation should still name The Atlantic as the periodical container, then list the database name after the issue details. This helps readers identify both the original publication and where you accessed it. Do not list EBSCO as the publisher of the article. Instead, format it like: Author. “Title.” Periodical Title, vol., no., date, pages. Database Name, DOI or stable URL. Accessed Day Mon. Year. For more on containers and why databases are containers, see MLA’s explanation: https://style.mla.org/containers/.

What URL should I use for an EBSCO source, the long link in my browser or a permalink?

Use a stable URL whenever possible. In EBSCO, that is typically the “Permalink” tool, not the long, session based address from your browser bar. Practical scenario, you open an article and copy the URL from the address bar, then it fails later for your instructor. Instead, click “Permalink,” copy that link, and paste it into your Works Cited entry. If the source has a DOI, use the DOI in URL form (https://doi.org/...) because it is more stable than most database links. If your permalink includes extra tracking text, keep it as provided, but avoid adding unnecessary parameters from a browser session. MLA’s guidance on URLs and DOIs is here: https://style.mla.org/dois-and-urls/.

Do I need an access date when citing something from EBSCO in MLA 9?

An access date is optional in MLA 9, but it is recommended when a source can change, when there is no publication date, or when your instructor requires it. Many EBSCO items have stable publication dates, so an access date is often not strictly necessary. Practical scenario, you cite a journal article with a clear year and page range, you can usually omit the access date unless your course wants it. Another scenario, you cite an HTML only news item with no page numbers, or you cite an entry that updates over time, then adding “Accessed 1 Jan. 2026” is helpful. Put the access date at the end of the citation. MLA’s quick guide covers when to include access dates: https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/.

How do I cite an EBSCO article that has no page numbers, like HTML full text?

If the article has no page numbers, do not invent them. Use what is available. For a journal article presented as HTML without pages, include volume, issue, and date if shown. If the article provides an article number or eLocator, include that instead of pages. Practical scenario, EBSCO shows “Full Text” with no PDF option, and the citation tool lists “n. pag.” You can omit page numbers entirely in MLA 9, and focus on other identifiers like DOI, stable URL, and database. In your in text citation, use the author name only if there are no page numbers, for example (Nguyen). If you need to cite a specific passage, consider quoting a short portion and identifying it by section heading if present. For MLA guidance on page numbers and alternatives, see: https://style.mla.org/page-numbers/.

Can I rely on EBSCO’s built in citation tool for MLA, and how do I fix common mistakes?

EBSCO’s citation tool can be a useful starting point, but it often needs editing for MLA 9 accuracy. Practical scenario, the tool may capitalize titles incorrectly, omit the second container, or include database labels in the wrong place. It may also paste a long, unstable URL instead of a permalink or DOI. Always verify key elements, author name order, article title in quotation marks, journal title in italics, volume and issue formatting, year, pages if available, then the database name in italics, followed by DOI or permalink. Also check punctuation, MLA uses commas and periods in specific places. If there are multiple authors, confirm MLA’s rules for listing them. For a reliable checklist, use MLA’s Works Cited guide: https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/ and the Purdue OWL MLA page: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_works_cited_electronic_sources.html.

Last Updated: 2026-01-01
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