MLA Bibliography Basics

In-Text Citations

• Where possible, incorporate the author in the text and put the page number in parenthesis at the end of the sentence. If not, include the author's name in parenthesis at the end of the sentence. If a quote runs over four lines, use a hanging paragraph format. Place the first line, which will describe the quote, against the left margin and indent the remaining line about one-half an inch, or five to seven spaces. Double-space the lines before and after the indented text.

Works Cited Page

• Center "Works Cited" at the top of the page. Place the works cited page at the end of your paper. Alphabetize the works cited by author or the first word of the citation. Double-space the entire page. Do not put extra space between citations.

Universal Rules

• Always italicize the publication title. When referencing a story or article from a publication, always put it in quotation marks. Write the first author or editor's last name first (e.g., King, Stephen). When substituting an editor for an author, follow the name with "ed." (Smith, Jason, ed.). Write any additional noted individuals such as translators or additional authors first name first (e.g., King, Stephen, Toni Morrison, and Jack Ketchum). Write dates day first, abbreviated month and four-digit year (12, Dec. 2010), abbreviated month four-digit year (Dec. 2010) or four-digit year (2010). Mode of publication can be print, web, radio, television, CD or DVD. Exclude pieces of information unavailable.

Print Sources

• Write a book or translated book citation with the author, or editor if no author, first. When using an editor, remember to include ed. (e.g., Smith, Thomas, ed.)

  Book or translated book

  Author or Editor. Book Title. Translator. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication.

  Work from an anthology or literary criticism anthology

  Author. "Work Title." Anthology Title. Editor. Edition. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Page Numbers.

  Journal

  Author. "Article Title." Journal Title. Volume or Issue (Publication Date): Page Numbers.

  Newspaper or magazine article

  If no author is listed, exclude it.

  Author. "Article Title." Publication Title Date: Pages. Mode of Publication.

Online Source

• For online sources, include where available, the author, editor, article title, website title, sponsoring organization, last updated date, mode of publication, date visited and when requested, the web address.

  Website or Blog Post

  Author or Editor, ed. "Article Title." Website Title. Sponsoring Organization, Last Updated. Mode of Publication. Date Visited. <URL>.

  Course Page

  Instructor. "Course Title." Department. School. Course Dates. Course Mode. Date Visited. <URL>.

  Newspaper Online

  Author, "Article Title." Newspaper Title Date of Publication. Database Name. Mode of Publication. Date Retrieved. <Subscriber URL>.

  Journal

  Author, Article Title, Journal Title Volume (Year): Pages. Database Name. Mode of Publication. Date Visited. <Subscriber URL>.