how to reference a handout in apa

3 min read 02-02-2025

Many academic assignments involve using supplementary materials, and handouts are a common example. Knowing how to properly cite a handout in APA style is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic integrity. This guide provides a clear and comprehensive explanation of how to cite various types of handouts. Understanding these guidelines ensures your work meets the standards of academic writing.

What is a Handout?

Before delving into the specifics of APA citation, let's clarify what constitutes a handout in this context. A handout is typically an unpaginated supplementary document distributed alongside a presentation, lecture, or workshop. It might include information such as lecture notes, summaries, additional readings, or exercises. Unlike a formal publication, a handout may lack standard publication details like an ISBN or DOI.

How to Cite a Handout in APA Style: General Guidelines

The core principle of APA citation is to provide enough information for a reader to locate the source. Because handouts often lack standard publication information, the citation will focus on available details. The basic format for a handout citation in the references list follows this structure:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of handout. [Handout type]. Name of Organization or Presenter.

Let's break down the components:

Author, A. A. (Year): Start with the author's last name and initials. If there's no author, use the organization's name or the presenter's name instead. The year refers to the year the handout was created.
Title of handout: The title is enclosed in italics. Capitalize only the first letter of the first word and any proper nouns.
[Handout type]: This helps clarify the nature of the document. Examples include: Handout, Lecture notes, Worksheet, Course packet.
Name of Organization or Presenter: This information is crucial for identifying the source, especially if there is no author.

Examples:

Example 1: Handout with Author and Organization

Smith, J. D. (2023). Understanding APA Citation. Handout. University of Example.

Example 2: Handout with only Presenter

Dr. Jones. (2024). Research Methods in Psychology. Lecture notes. Psychology Department Conference.

Example 3: Handout from an online course

Online Course Name (2025). Module 3: Data Analysis. Worksheet. The Learning Platform.

Example 4: A Multi-Author Handout

Anderson, B., & Miller, S. (2026). Statistics for Beginners. Course Packet. Department of Statistics.

In-text Citation:

Regardless of the type of handout, the in-text citation will generally follow the same Author-Year format as other APA citations.

For example:

(Smith, 2023)
(Dr. Jones, 2024)
(Anderson & Miller, 2026)

If no author is available, use the name of the organization or presenter:

(University of Example, 2023)
(Psychology Department Conference, 2024)

Always place the citation at the end of the sentence where the information from the handout is used.

What if Specific Information is Missing?

It's not unusual for handouts to lack some of this information. If a piece of information is missing, simply omit it from the reference. Always include what information is available to best identify the source. When in doubt, contact the instructor or provider for additional details.

Beyond the Basics: Dealing with Unusual Handouts

Some handouts may present unique challenges. For instance:

Handouts within a larger packet or collection: If the handout is part of a larger packet or collection, cite the packet as a whole, and then specify the individual handout in your text (e.g., "As explained in the handout on 'Effective Study Habits' within the course packet...").
PowerPoint slides as handouts: If PowerPoint slides are distributed as a handout, treat them as a handout. Cite them in a manner similar to other handouts.
Unattributed handouts: If authorship is completely unknown, you can use a descriptive title in the reference list and refer to it descriptively in your text (e.g., "The handout on historical context [Handout title] provides evidence that...")

Conclusion

Referencing handouts correctly is essential for responsible academic practice. By using these guidelines and adapting them based on the specific information available, you can ensure that your citations meet APA standards. Remember to always prioritize clarity and providing sufficient information to enable readers to locate your sources. If you have any doubts about a particular handout, it's always best to seek clarification from your instructor or a librarian.