Here's a breakdown:
* Footnotes are placed at the bottom of the page where the reference occurs.
* Endnotes are placed at the end of the paper in a separate section labeled "Notes."
While footnotes are not mandatory in MLA, they can be used if:
* Your professor instructs you to use them.
* You need to provide extensive commentary or explanation for a specific point.
If you choose to use footnotes, they should be formatted according to MLA style guidelines.
Remember, the most important thing is to consistently follow the guidelines provided by your instructor or by the specific journal or publication you are submitting to.