How to Harvard Cite a Website with No Author
Citing a website in the Harvard referencing style can sometimes be challenging, especially when the source lacks an author. However, with a few simple steps, you can still provide a proper citation that adheres to the Harvard guidelines. In this article, we will discuss how to Harvard cite a website with no author and provide you with a clear and concise format to follow.
Understanding the Harvard Referencing Style
The Harvard referencing style is a widely used citation format that requires both in-text citations and a reference list. In-text citations are brief references to the source within the text, while the reference list provides full details of the source. When citing a website with no author, it’s important to follow the standard format while making adjustments for the missing information.
Formatting the In-Text Citation
When citing a website with no author in the text, you should use the title of the web page or article instead of the author’s name. Place the title in parentheses, followed by the publication date. If the publication date is not available, you can use the date you accessed the website. Here’s an example:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global obesity rate has doubled since 1980 (WHO, 2021).
If the title is lengthy, you can use a shortened version or an abbreviation to maintain readability.
Formatting the Reference List Entry
The reference list entry for a website with no author should include the title of the web page or article, the URL, and the publication date. If the publication date is not available, you can use the date you accessed the website. Here’s an example:
WHO. (2021). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
In this example, “WHO” is the organization responsible for the website content, and the URL is the link to the specific page or article.
Additional Considerations
When citing a website with no author, it’s important to keep the following points in mind:
1. Use the title of the web page or article in the in-text citation and reference list.
2. Include the publication date, if available, or the date you accessed the website.
3. Ensure the URL is accurate and leads to the specific page or article you cited.
4. Check for any additional information, such as the publisher or organization, and include it in the reference list, if applicable.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively Harvard cite a website with no author and maintain the integrity of your academic work.
