How to Cite a Website in Turabian 9
Complete guide with footnote and bibliography examples for citing webpages, news articles, and online content in Turabian 9th edition (notes‑bibliography).
Basic Format: Webpage with an Author
Turabian notes use commas between elements; bibliography entries use periods. The author's name is inverted (Last, First) only in the bibliography. Website citations are often limited to notes unless critical to your argument.
First Footnote (N)
1. Firstname Lastname, "Title of Webpage," Name of Website, Publication Date, URL.
Bibliography Entry (B) – if needed
Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Webpage." Name of Website. Publication Date. URL.
Example: Online News Article
First Footnote
1. Susannah Brooks, "Longtime Library Director Reflects on a Career at the Crossroads," University of Wisconsin‑Madison News, September 1, 2011, https://www.news.wisc.edu/19704.
Shortened Footnote
2. Brooks, "Longtime Library Director."
Bibliography Entry
Brooks, Susannah. "Longtime Library Director Reflects on a Career at the Crossroads." University of Wisconsin‑Madison News. September 1, 2011. https://www.news.wisc.edu/19704.
Webpage with No Author
If no author is listed, begin the citation with the title of the webpage. In the bibliography, list under the title of the website or the name of the owner/sponsor.
First Footnote
1. "Indigenous Languages in Canada," Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada, accessed April 8, 2026, https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/indigenous-languages.html.
Bibliography Entry
Canadian Heritage. "Indigenous Languages in Canada." Government of Canada. Accessed April 8, 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/indigenous-languages.html.
Webpage with No Publication Date
If no publication date is available, use "n.d." or include an access date. Turabian recommends an access date for undated online content.
Bibliography Entry
Canadian Heritage. "Indigenous Languages in Canada." Government of Canada. Accessed April 8, 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/indigenous-languages.html.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need a bibliography entry for a website?
No. Turabian states that website citations are normally limited to the notes unless the source is critical to your argument or frequently cited.
Should I include an access date?
Include an access date for undated content or if the content is likely to change. Use "accessed" before the date.
