How to quote an online article without a clear publication date?

When citing an online article lacking a clear publication date, use an access date and apply conventions dictated by your citation style guide to handle the missing element. Adherence to the specific requirements of your chosen academic citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) is paramount. Typically, include the date you accessed the online content as part of the reference. Look for an associated copyright year, a last updated date, or a timestamp on the publisher's website if no article-specific date exists. If absolutely no alternative date is discoverable, most styles permit using the abbreviation "n.d." (no date) in place of the year. Consistency in application across all citations is essential for scholarly integrity. Begin by meticulously searching the article itself, including headers and footers, for publication information. If unavailable, examine the broader website, such as 'About' or 'Copyright' sections, for a relevant copyright date. Finally, include the date you accessed the material in your citation as required by your style. This approach ensures source transparency and allows others to locate the specific content you used.