How to Cite a Dataset

Research data, databases, and data repositories.

What You'll Need

Dataset Title
Author(s)/Creator(s)
Publication Date
Publisher/Repository
Version
DOI
URL
Date Accessed

Look for a DOI or persistent identifier in the repository metadata. Note the version number and your access date, as datasets may be updated.

Example Citations

APA
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. (2023). Global Historical Climatology Network Daily (GHCN-D) (Version 3.27) [Dataset]. NOAA NCEI. https://doi.org/10.7289/V5D21VHZ
In-text (NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 2023)
MLA Handbook (in-text citations)
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. “Global Historical Climatology Network Daily (GHCN-D)”. Version 3.27, NOAA NCEI, 2023, https://doi.org/10.7289/V5D21VHZ.
In-text (NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information)
CMOS 17e with Bluebook (notes and bibliography [14.19])
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. “Global Historical Climatology Network Daily (GHCN-D)”. Version 3.27. NOAA NCEI, 2023. https://doi.org/10.7289/V5D21VHZ.
Footnote NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, “Global Historical Climatology Network Daily (GHCN-D)”, version 3.27, NOAA NCEI, 2023, https://doi.org/10.7289/V5D21VHZ.

Other Source Types

Website Book Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Software Patent Legal Case Legislation Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Manuscript Review Book Review Classic Work Reference Entry Dictionary Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Song Musical Score Graphic Figure Map Performance Event Pamphlet Article Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication