MLA Handbook Available in the PCC Library
MLA Handbook by
Relied on by generations of writers, the MLA Handbook is published by the Modern Language Association and is the only official, authorized book on MLA style. The new, ninth edition builds on the MLA's unique approach to documenting sources using a template of core elements?facts, common to most sources, like author, title, and publication date?that allows writers to cite any type of work, from books, e-books, and journal articles in databases to song lyrics, online images, social media posts, dissertations, and more. With this focus on source evaluation as the cornerstone of citation, MLA style promotes the skills of information and digital literacy so crucial today. The many new and updated chapters make this edition the comprehensive, go-to resource for writers of research papers, and anyone citing sources, from business writers, technical writers, and freelance writers and editors to student writers and the teachers and librarians working with them. Intended for a variety of classroom contexts?middle school, high school, and college courses in composition, communication, literature, language arts, film, media studies, digital humanities, and related fields?the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook offers ?New chapters on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, numbers, italics, abbreviations, and principles of inclusive language ?Guidelines on setting up research papers in MLA format with updated advice on headings, lists, and title pages for group project ?Revised, comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for creating a list of works cited in MLA format that are easier to learn and use than ever before ?A new appendix with hundreds of example works-cited-list entries by publication format, including websites, YouTube videos, interviews, and more ?Detailed examples of how to find publication information for a variety of sources ?Newly revised explanations of in-text citations, including comprehensive advice on how to cite multiple authors of a single work ?Detailed guidance on footnotes and endnotes ?Instructions on quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and avoiding plagiarism ?A sample essay in MLA format ?Annotated bibliography examples ?Numbered sections throughout for quick navigation ?Advanced tips for professional writers and scholars
Call Number: Course Reserves - In Library Use OnlyISBN: 9781603295628Publication Date: 2021
The Little Seagull HandbookCall Number: Course Reserves - In Library Use OnlyISBN: 9781324060086Publication Date: 2023
RefWorks
You can use a tool called RefWorks to help manage your research and citations. Learn more in the Citing and Copyright module in the Library Classroom.
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Modern Language Association (MLA) Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is often used by people in the humanities, such as literature and philosophy. Always check with your professor on what citation style they would like you to use.
When writing, document all information and ideas gained from outside sources. You do this to
- credit your sources and avoid plagiarism,
- support your arguments with information from experts in the field, and
- share source materials with readers.
Your essay should be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11") with 1" margins on all sides. Use a clear font that is highly readable; 12 pt. Times New Roman font is recommended.
MLA has turned to a style of documentation that is based on a general method that may be applied to every possible source, to many different types of writing. The current system is based on a few principles, rather than an extensive list of specific rules.
In your citation, the elements should be listed in the following order: Author, title of source, title of container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, location.
In-text Citations
MLA in-text citations use parenthesis whenever a sentence uses a quotation or paraphrase from an outside source. Most times, the in-text citation goes at the end of a sentence before the period. Whether you use a direct quotation or paraphrase, you must include an in-text citation and the correct information in your Works Cited.
In-text citations in MLA require the author's last name and page number. When there is no author, use a shortened title of the source. If you mention the author's last name or page number previously in the sentence, it does not have to be included in the in-text citation.
Example:
He stated that romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).
Wordsworth said that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263).
Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
Adapted from Purdue OWL