How do I cite a source that has no author?
Answer
First, check if the source has a group author.
A group author means an organization, government agency, company, or other form of group is responsible for the content:
- On a website, look at the top for a banner or logo that appears on every page or find the contact information (e.g. the "About Us" page).
- In a document or report, look at the first 1-3 pages to see if a group is listed as the author or publisher of the information.
Note: Only refer to an author as Anonymous if the work is signed as Anonymous.
If you cannot find a person(s) or group listed as the author, move the title into the author position:
Create a reference
Template
Title. (Year, Month Day). Source.
Example
Go ask Alice. (1971). Prentice Hall.
Create a citation
Template
(Title, Year of publication )
(Title, Year of publication, p.#)
Example
(Go ask Alice, 1971)
(Go ask Alice, 1971, p. 8)
For more information and examples, see the APA's blog post how to incorporate missing information into citations and references.