When to use retrieval dates
Answer
In APA 7th Edition, retrieval dates are typically not required unless the content of the source is likely to change over time. Here are the situations where you should include a retrieval date:
- Dynamic or Frequently Updated Content:
- For sources that are updated regularly and do not maintain an archived version, such as government databases or certain online dictionaries.
- Unstable Content:
- For websites or web pages where the content might change or disappear entirely.
Format:
Author's Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year, Month Day). Title of the page. Website Name. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL
Example:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). COVID-19 data tracker. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/
If the content is stable (e.g., scholarly journal articles, books, reports), retrieval dates are not used, even if accessed online.