Selected MLA Citation Examples

The Modern Language Association of America (MLA) details the citing of sources in MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing (Second Edition, 1998; for graduate students, scholars and professional writers) and in MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (Fifth Edition, 1999; for high school and undergraduate students).  On MLA’s web site: <http://www.mla.org> you will find guidelines for citing sources from the World Wide Web.  There are many variations; always consult one of the MLA volumes if you are uncertain or telephone the Information Desk at Friedsam Library, 375-2164.

***Note :  MLA style generally requires that entries are double-spaced.  Single-spacing is used here to save paper.  Indentions are hanging.  Only prints with correct spacing on Internet Explorer.  nec

(1) Journal article:

Format:

Author. “Article Title.” Journal Title Volume (Year): paging.

Example:

Fletcher, Linda A., et al. “Alcohol Home Delivery Services: A Source of Alcohol for Underage Drinkers.” Journal of Studies on Alcohol 61 (2000): 81-84.

(2) Book by a single author:

Format:

Author. Title of Book. City: Publisher, Date.

Example:

Vaid, Urvashi. Virtual Equality: the Mainstreaming of Gay and Lesbian Liberation. New York: Doubleday, 1995.

(3) Chapter or work in an anthology or edited work:

Format:

Author of chapter or work. “Title of chapter or work.” Translator (if relevant). Title of Book. Editor or compiler. City: Publisher, Date. Inclusive page numbers for entire section.

Example:

Allende, Isabel. “Toad’s Mouth.” Trans. Margaret Sayers Peden. A Hammock beneath the Mangoes: Stories from Latin America. Ed. Thomas Colchie. New York: Plume, 1992. 83-88.

(4)  Web site:

Format:

Author. “Title of Web Page.” Group Title. Date created or last revised. Sponsoring Institution. Date Accessed <URL>.

Example:

Bailey, William J. “FactLine on Alcohol Doses, Measurements, and Blood Alcohol Levels.” IPRC Infosite. August 1, 1998.  Indiana University, Bloomington. 14 February 2000 <http://www.drugs.Indiana.edu/publications/iprc/factline/alcdoses.html>.

  (5) Reference book:

Format:

Author (if there is one). “Title of Article.” Title of Book. Ed.(editor of book or set if there is one). Number of volumes (if multi-volume) vols. City: Publisher, Date.

Example:

Barclay, Laurie L. “Alcohol-related neurologic disease.” The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. 5  vols. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Research, 1999.

(6) Lecture, speech, address, or reading

Format:

Speaker. “Title of Presentation.” Meeting and Sponsering Organization. Location. Date.

Example:

Atwood, Margaret. “Silencing the Scream.” Boundaries of the Imagination Forum. MLA Convention. Royal York Hotel, Toronto. 29 Dec. 1993.

Where to Go for Help and Examples

Books:

Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing.  New York: Modern Language Association, 1998.  (PN147 .G444 1998)

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. New York: Modern Language Association, 1999. (on reserve in Friedsam Library and at the Information Desk)

On the World Wide Web:

Nueva’s MLA Interactive Form: <http://www.nueva.pvt.k12.ca.us/~debbie/library/research/research.html> Under the section MLA Bibliographic Format, you may enter the elements of your citation (author, title, etc.).   You will be presented with a formatted citation that can be copied and pasted into your document.

 Reference Department
Bibliographic Instruction program,
Friedsam Memorial Library
St. Bonaventure University