How do I use a URL in a citation if it is password controlled?
I am trying to cite my class e-textbook but the URL only works for people enrolled in the class.
Answer
Yes, APA prefers if the URL in a citation takes the viewer directly to the source you used for your paper. But you have figured out that won't work with a password controlled textbook.
Fortunately, APA actually planned for this contingency.
This, from p. 299 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition.
"If the URL requires a login or is session specific, meaning it will not resolve for readers, provide the URL of the database or archive home page or login page instead of the URL for the work."
Thus spoke APA.