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Citation Styles

Modern Language Association (MLA) Style

📌 Please Note:
The current version of the MLA citation style is the 9th edition (2021). Check with your instructor to be sure of which version of MLA to use.

Where to get Help

Official Resources

MLA Style Center is the official website of MLA Style. This is the comprehensive, up-to-date source for all aspects of formatting and citing in MLA style. It includes detailed instruction on proper formatting and layout, as well as examples of how to cite a variety of media types. The site includes video and interactive practice options.

Other Useful Resources

8th Edition

MLA style gives references in the text to a list of works cited. Its distinguishing features:

  • an emphasis on the author and title instead of the date
  • use of in-text citations, not bibliographic notes

The approach to creating a list of works cited has changed as of the eighth edition. Works are no longer cited by publication format.

MLA Style Examples

Cryptids are animals whose existence is disputed.(Hurn 1) Nessie is one example.(Cray 258) Bigfoot is another cryptid.(Westrum 27)

Works Cited

Cray, Ed. “Loch Ness Monster.” Western Folklore, vol. 18, no. 3, July 1959, pp. 258–59. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.2307/1497725.

Hurn, Samantha, editor. Anthropology and Cryptozoology: Exploring Encounters with Mysterious Creatures. Routledge, 2016.

Westrum, Ron. “Sasquatch and Scientists: Reporting Scientific Anomalies.” Manlike Monsters on Trial: Early Records and Modern Evidence, edited by Marjorie M. Halpin and Michael M. Ames, University of British Columbia Press, 1980, pp. 27–36. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.59962/9780774857857-006.

Sample Books for Citations

Book

Title: Anthropology and Cryptozoology: Exploring Encounters with Mysterious Creatures

Editor: Samantha Hurn

Publisher: Routledge

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: 2016

Book Section

Chapter Title: Sasquatch and Scientists: Reporting Scientific Anomalies

Chapter Author: Ron Westrum

Book Title: Manlike Monsters on Trial: Early Records and Modern Evidence

Book Editors: Marjorie M. Halpin and Michael M. Ames

Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

Place of Publication: Vancouver, BC

Date of Publication: 1980

Pages: 27-36

Journal Article

Article Title: Loch Ness Monster

Author: Ed Cray

Journal Title: Western Folklore

Volume: 18

Issue: 3

Date: 1959

Pages: 258-259