A Comprehensive Guide to Citing Publications in MLA Format

When it comes to academic writing, proper citation is crucial for maintaining credibility and avoiding plagiarism. One of the most widely used citation styles is the Modern Language Association (MLA) format. In this article, we'll explore how to cite publications correctly in MLA format, providing you with a detailed, step-by-step guide. For more information, visit the Purdue University OWL Online Writing Laboratory.

Introduction to MLA Format

The MLA format is a set of rules and guidelines for formatting and citing sources in academic writing. It was developed by the Modern Language Association and is commonly used in the humanities, including literature, history, and performing arts. This guide will focus on the basic elements of MLA citations and provide examples for various types of sources.

Key Components of MLA Citations

MLA citations typically include the author's name, the title of the work, and the publication information. These components are presented in different formats depending on the type of source. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Author: The last name and a comma followed by the first name. If there is no author, you can use the title as the author. Title of the Source: Italicized and followed by a period. Publication: Information about the publisher and the year of publication.

How to Cite Books in MLA Format

Let's start with the most common type of source: books. Here's an example of how to cite a book in MLA format:

Author: Last Name, First Name. Title of the Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example:

Smith, John. The Art of Writing. HarperCollins, 2020.

Citing an Edited Book

If the book is edited by someone other than the author, you would add the editor's name after the title of the book, followed by the words "Editor" in italics. Here’s the format:

Author: Last Name, First Name. Title of the Book. Edited by Editor's Name, Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example:

Green, Sarah. The Essentials of Grammar. Edited by Tony Brown, Macmillan Publishing, 2019.

How to Cite Articles in MLA Format

Articles from periodicals such as magazines, journals, and newspapers are cited using a slightly different format. Here’s the basic structure:

Author: First Name Last Name. "Title of the Article." Title of the Publication, Volume number, Issue number, Publication date, Page numbers.

Example:

Doe, Jane. "The Impact of Digitalization in Education." Journal of Modern Learning, vol. 55, no. 3, July 2021, pp. 45-60.

Citing an Article from an Online Database

If the article is accessed online, you need to include additional information such as the URL and the date of access. The format is:

Author: First Name Last Name. "Title of the Article." Title of the Publication, Volume number, Issue number, Publication date, Page numbers, URL, accessed date.

Example:

Jones, Robert. "The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence." Technology Today, vol. 42, no. 1, Mar. 2022, pp. 20-35, , accessed 15 Mar. 2022.

Citing Websites in MLA Format

Webpage citations are more challenging, as they lack page numbers and can change frequently. Here’s the basic format for a webpage:

Author: Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Webpage." Title of the Website, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL, accessed Date of Access.

Example:

Williams, Lisa. "Understanding the Benefits of Renewable Energy." Green Energy Today, Energy Solutions Inc., 12 Mar. 2022, , accessed 15 Mar. 2022.

Citing a Blog or Personal Website

If the source is a blog or a personal website, the format is a bit different. Here’s the format:

Author: Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Blog Post." Title of the Blog, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL, accessed Date of Access.

Example:

Johnson, Mark. "The Impact of Social Media on Communication." Meet the Future, Mark Johnson, 5 Apr. 2021, , accessed 15 Mar. 2022.

MLA Format for Interviews and Transcripts

When citing an interview or a transcript in MLA format, include the following information:

Interviewee: Last Name, First Name. "Interview Title." Interview. Reporter's Name, Name of Interviewee, Date of the Interview, Publisher, URL, accessed Date.

Example:

Simpson, Wendy. "Interview with a Renowned Psychologist." Interview. John Doe, Wendy Simpson, 1 Mar. 2022, , accessed 15 Mar. 2022.

MLA Citations for Multimedia Files

For citing multimedia files such as videos, podcasts, and movies, include the following information:

Creator: Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Media." Title of the Series. Publisher, Publication Date, URL, accessed Date.

Example:

Howard, Mary. "The Future of Space Exploration." The Scientific Edge. ABC Television, 15 Mar. 2022, , accessed 15 Mar. 2022.

MLA Citations for Encyclopedias and Dictionaries

When citing an encyclopedia or a dictionary entry, use the following format:

Author: Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Entry." Title of the Encyclopedia or Dictionary, Edition, Publisher, Year of Publication, URL, accessed Date of Access.

Example:

Martin, Walter. "The Humanities." Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th ed., Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2022, , accessed 15 Mar. 2022.

Finalizing Your MLA Citations

After writing your citations, remember to double-check for accuracy. Proper citation not only provides credit to the original authors but also helps reinforce the credibility of your work. Always use the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines.

Conclusion

Proper citation is an essential aspect of academic writing. By following these guidelines and resources, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and effective. For more detailed and specific information, refer to the Purdue University OWL Online Writing Laboratory.