A URL is only one part
A link can take someone to a webpage, but it does not always show who created it, what it is called or when it was produced.
Video 13 of 16 · Foundations of Referencing
Why a URL is not always enough
A link is helpful. A reference needs more.
A URL can take your reader to a webpage, but it does not always explain what the source is, who created it, when it was written or whether the page may have changed.
Identify the source
Add useful details
Help readers verify it
Watch
URLs and full references
See why a web address is useful, but not usually enough on its own.
Use the video for the quick explanation, then use the cards below to check whether a webpage reference gives enough information.
Details identify the source
A fuller reference gives the reader a clearer source trail, especially if the web page changes or the link stops working.
Useful references are traceable
The aim is not just to paste a link. It is to help someone understand and locate the exact source you used.
In this lesson
Learn the essentials
A webpage reference needs enough detail to identify the source clearly, not just enough detail to click through.
Know what a URL can do
A URL points to a location online. It is helpful, but it does not always explain what the page is, who is responsible for it or whether it has changed.
Add identifying details
Webpage references commonly include the author or organisation, date, page title, website name and URL. Some styles also ask for an access date.
Think about the reader
Your reader should be able to understand what source you used, even if the link is long, broken, redirected or updated later.
How it works
What the reference adds beyond the link
A complete webpage reference turns a bare web address into a clearer record of the source.
🔗
URL
Shows where the page was found online.
👤
Creator
Shows who wrote, published or is responsible for the page.
🗓️
Date and title
Helps identify the version and the exact page used.
🔎
Traceable source
Gives your reader a clearer route back to the evidence.
Simple example
From bare link to clearer reference
A URL can be useful, but a reference normally needs to say what the source actually is.
A bare URL gives the reader a location, but not much context about the source.
https://example.ac.uk/study-skills/referencing
Example University (2024). Referencing study skills guide. Available at: https://example.ac.uk/study-skills/referencing
Quick checks
What to look for
Who created it?
Look for an individual author, organisation, publisher or responsible body.
What is the page called?
Use the specific page title rather than only the website homepage or domain name.
When was it published?
Include the date if available, and follow your style guidance if no date is shown.
Before you submit
Three practical checks
Use these checks when you have referenced a webpage, report page, guidance page or other online source.
Can the reader tell what it is?
The reference should make the source recognisable without needing to click the link first.
Could the page change?
Webpages can be updated, moved or removed. Extra details help preserve a clearer source trail.
Follow your required style
Different referencing styles handle access dates, missing dates and website names slightly differently.
Transcript
Read the video transcript
Use the transcript if you prefer to read the explanation or revisit the key points after watching.
Show transcript
A URL can help your reader reach a webpage, but on its own, it is not usually enough for a full reference.
A link does not always tell your reader who created the information, when it was written, what the page is called, or whether the source is suitable.
Web links can also change, break, or lead to updated content.
This can make it difficult for your reader to know exactly what you used.
A stronger reference gives key details, such as the author or organisation, date, title, website name, URL, and access date if needed.
The URL is useful, but it works best as part of a complete reference.
Using Ref-Check
How this connects to Ref-Check
Ref-Check helps users look beyond the web address by highlighting whether references appear to include clearer details that support the source trail.
Use the link, but check the reference
A working URL is useful, but it should sit alongside enough information for the reader to identify and understand the source.