If the cited book or article has no page number, how should it be handled during the citation?

When citing sources lacking page numbers, substitute them with logical location markers such as section titles, paragraph numbers, or chapter headings to maintain accurate referencing. This practice is generally feasible across major academic styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago. Key principles include employing the most precise available locator within the source. Use descriptive section or heading titles enclosed in quotation marks (e.g., "Conclusion section"). Paragraph numbers (preceded by "para." or the symbol ¶) are suitable, especially for continuously paginated electronic sources without stable pagination. Avoid ambiguous labels like "n.p." unless required by the style guide. Always verify the specific requirements of your citation style guide and prioritize source clarity for the reader. Consistency throughout the document is paramount. In practice, identify distinct segments within the source material. For example, APA style instructs: (Author, Year, "Section Title") or (Author, Year, para. 4). If no alternative markers exist, omit the page number entirely within the parentheses. This approach preserves academic integrity by enabling source verification and ensures readability, enhancing the credibility and traceability of scholarly work.