What should I do if I quote an academic article without a DOI?

When citing academic articles lacking a DOI, viable alternative persistent identifiers or locators can be used to ensure accessibility and proper attribution. It is feasible and acceptable practice within scholarly communication. The primary principle is to locate and utilize the most stable and direct link to the article. Prioritize the publisher's official URL on their website over a database URL (e.g., avoid links to EBSCO or JSTOR search results). If a publisher's stable URL or a dedicated archival service link (like an Internet Archive permalink) exists, it should be preferred. Standard citation styles generally accept this approach. Crucially, always verify the link's functionality and adhere strictly to your chosen citation style's specific formatting guidelines for URLs, noting any requirements for inclusion dates. Avoid using ephemeral session-specific URLs. If a stable link is unavailable, include other essential bibliographic elements required by your citation style. Following style conventions accurately helps readers locate the source through institutional library access, academic databases like Google Scholar, or known publisher platforms. This maintains the integrity of the scholarly record and ensures readers can access the referenced material. Consistently apply this method throughout your references.