MLA Citation and Google Docs Guide

Oct 17, 2024

MLA Citation and Works Cited in Google Docs

Introduction

  • Presenter: Jessica from Scribbr
  • Target Audience: Humanities students who need MLA style citations
  • Objective: Explain MLA reference entry elements and formatting a Works Cited page in Google Docs

Nine Core Elements of an MLA Reference Entry

  1. Author(s)
    • First author's name is inverted (Last Name, First Name).
    • Second author's name is not inverted.
    • For three or more authors, use "First Author et al."
  2. Title
    • Full title with subtitles in title case.
    • Italics for self-contained sources (e.g., books, websites).
    • Quotation marks for parts of a larger whole (e.g., chapters, journal articles).
  3. Container
    • The larger work containing the source.
    • Italicize the container.
    • Omit if source is self-contained.
  4. Contributors
    • Include other contributors like translators after the container title.
  5. Version
    • Specify if there’s more than one version (e.g., edition, director’s cut).
  6. Number
    • For sources with numbered parts (e.g., volumes, seasons).
  7. Publisher
    • Include for books and production companies.
  8. Publication Date
    • Always include. Add the month and day if relevant.
    • For no stated date, use the access date.
  9. Location
    • Page range, URL, DOI, or physical location depending on the source.

Using Scribbr's Citation Generator

  • Select the source type (e.g., Journal).
  • Search and verify information.
  • Cite source and copy the list when done.

Formatting the Works Cited Page

  • Follow MLA formatting guidelines.
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 points.
  • Header: Last name and page number, right-aligned.
  • Margins: 1-inch, with double line spacing.
  • Heading: "Works Cited" in plain text, centered.
  • Order: Alphabetical by author's last name.
  • Hanging Indent: Indent all lines except the first by half an inch.

Conclusion

  • Demonstrated the process to format correctly in Google Docs.
  • Encouragement to use available resources for further help with MLA style.
  • Mention of additional resources available in the Scribbr playlist.