How to Cite a White Paper in APA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 09/27/2024

Citing a white paper in APA (American Psychological Association) style follows specific guidelines, depending on whether the document is authored by a group or an individual. White papers are informative and persuasive documents often published by organizations or government entities to advocate for a particular stance or position. They require clear identification, including the designation “[White paper]” in the reference to signify the document type. 

This article will guide you through the format for citing white papers, with examples provided for both group and individual authors.

CITATION ELEMENTS FOR A WHITE PAPER

• Author: The author element of a citation identifies the individual authors or the organization responsible for the white paper. When the white paper is authored by individuals, their last names are followed by their initials. For papers published by organizations, the organization’s full name is listed as the author.
• Date: Include the year of publication in parentheses directly after the author or organization name. This element indicates when the white paper was released, providing essential context for the information presented. 
• Title: Italicize the full title of the white paper to differentiate it from other citation components such as the author and publication date. Italicizing the title highlights its importance and ensures clarity for readers when identifying the document.
• Bracketed Description: Immediately following the italicized title, add the term “[White paper]” in square brackets. This description clarifies the type of document being cited, making it clear that the source is a white paper, which may have specific significance for the context of your work.
• Institution or Publisher: Include the full name of the institution, organization, or agency that published the white paper. This information typically appears on the title page, cover, or within the document itself. The institution or publisher is responsible for disseminating the white paper, and citing it properly ensures proper attribution to the source.
• URL: When the white paper is available online, provide the full, direct URL. The URL allows readers to access the source directly, ensuring transparency and ease of retrieval. Be sure to use a stable and reliable link to the document.

CITE WHITE PAPER WITH A GROUP AUTHOR

In this example, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is cited as the author of the white paper. The title of the white paper is italicized, followed by the label “[White paper]” to specify the document type. The U.S. Department of Commerce is listed as the publisher. The URL is provided for direct access to the document, allowing readers to retrieve the source easily.

CITE WHITE PAPER WITH INDIVIDUAL AUTHORS

In this case, Dempsey and McKenzie are the individual authors of the white paper. Their names are listed in the order they appear in the document, with initials following the surnames. The title is italicized, followed by the description “[White paper],” and the paper was published by the University of Toronto. The URL is provided to allow direct access to the white paper.

Use Proper Formatting for Multiple Authors: When a white paper has up to 20 authors, list all their names in the reference entry, separating each name with a comma and using an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For works with more than 20 authors, list the first 19 authors followed by an ellipsis (…) and then the final author’s name. Maintain Consistent Capitalization: In the title of the white paper, capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle, as well as any proper nouns. This rule applies to the title in both the reference list and in-text citations, ensuring that titles are presented correctly according to APA standards. Check for the Most Recent Version: When citing a white paper, confirm that you are referencing the most recent version of the document. White papers may undergo revisions or updates that change the content significantly. Always use the latest version to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information being cited, which is particularly important for rapidly evolving topics. Ensure Accuracy of the URL: Always verify that the URL included in your citation is accurate and leads directly to the white paper. Avoid using shortened URLs, as they may not provide a reliable link. Instead, provide the complete URL to ensure readers can access the original document without issues.