How to Cite a Fact Sheet in APA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 08/30/2024

Citing a fact sheet in APA involves following specific guidelines that align with the general format for citing reports. Fact sheets are concise documents that provide essential information on various topics. 

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to cite a fact sheet in APA format, following the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual.

ELEMENTS OF A FACT SHEET CITATION

The citation for a fact sheet in APA format follows the basic structure used for reports. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in providing a complete and accurate reference.

• Author Element: The author element of a citation generally identifies the organization or agency responsible for the content of the fact sheet. Since fact sheets are often published by organizations rather than individuals, this element typically names the issuing organization. When multiple government agencies are involved, the most specific agency is listed to accurately reflect the entity directly responsible for the content. If only one agency is credited, it is listed as the author.
• Date of Publication: The date of publication is presented in parentheses immediately following the author element. If the publication date is unknown, the abbreviation “n.d.” (no date) is used. This practice ensures that the reader knows whether the publication date is available.
• Title of the Fact Sheet: The title of the fact sheet should be italicized. After the title, the description “[Fact sheet]” should be included in square brackets. This notation clarifies the type of document being cited.
• Source Element: The source element consists of the publisher’s information and the URL where the fact sheet can be accessed. The content of this element varies depending on whether multiple government agencies are involved or if only one agency is credited. When multiple layers of government agencies are involved, the parent agency is listed as the publisher in the source element. This approach clarifies the relationship between the agencies and avoids redundancy. If only one agency is credited as the author, the agency’s name is omitted from the source element to avoid repetition.

CITATION EXAMPLES FOR A FACT SHEET

Below are complete citation examples that illustrate the correct format for citing fact sheets in APA style:

Example – Multiple Layers of Government Agencies:

In this example, the Food and Drug Administration is the specific agency responsible for the content, while the Government Publishing Office is the issuing organization.

Example – Single Agency Credit:

In this example, the National Institute on Drug Abuse is the specific agency responsible for creating the content of the fact sheet titled Marijuana Research Findings. The citation does not list a separate issuing organization beyond the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which is also the issuing body.

Ensure Accurate Title Formatting: When citing a fact sheet in APA format, it is crucial to use the exact title as it appears on the document. Italicize the title and include it in sentence case, meaning only the first word of the title, the first word after a colon or dash, and proper nouns should be capitalized. This ensures consistency and accuracy in your reference list. Verify that there are no typographical errors and that the title reflects the content of the fact sheet precisely. Verify the URL for Accessibility: Always check that the URL provided in your citation is active and leads directly to the fact sheet. Broken or incorrect links undermine the reliability of your citation and may hinder the reader’s ability to access the original document. Test the URL before finalizing your citation to ensure it directs to the correct and current version of the fact sheet. Confirm the Publisher’s Name: Ensure that the publisher’s name listed in the citation is the correct and complete name of the organization that produced the fact sheet. In cases where multiple related organizations are involved, double-check which organization is designated as the publisher. Using the correct publisher name helps avoid confusion and provides a clear reference for locating the fact sheet. This is particularly important when citing documents from large organizations with multiple departments or branches. Check for Document Version: If the fact sheet includes a version number or edition, include this information in the citation if available. This detail helps in distinguishing between different iterations of the same fact sheet and ensures that readers can identify the exact version you referenced. While not always necessary, noting the version or edition can add precision to your citation, especially for documents that are frequently updated or revised.