MLA Handbook and Citation Guidelines

Importance of Citations

• Citations attribute ideas to their creators and elevate the work of the authors.
• Enables readers to access and evaluate sources used in your assignment.
• "Citation chaining" allows finding similar works on a topic.

MLA Style Components

1. In-Text Citations
   • Short citations in the paper body.
   • Placed next to the cited text.
   • Corresponding entry in the Works Cited list.
2. Works Cited List
   • Starts on a new page at the end of the paper.
   • Contains complete source details.

Creating a Works Cited List

• Core Elements to Consider
  1. Author.
  2. Title of Source.
  3. Title of Container.
  4. Contributor.
  5. Version.
  6. Number.
  7. Publisher.
  8. Publication Date.
  9. Location.
• Some sources may not include all elements.
• Example for Online Journal Article:
  • Format: Author. Title of Source. Title of Container, Number, Publication Date, Location.
  • Title of the second container and its location may also be included.
• Web Page Citation Example:
  • Format: Author. Title of Source. Title of Container, Publication Date, and Location.

Formatting the Works Cited List

• Alphabetical order by the first word in the citation.
• Second line of citation indented by ½ inch if it exceeds one line.
• Entire list double spaced.

In-Text Citations Details

• Include the first citation element in Works Cited (usually the author) and page number.
• Variations:
  • Author and page at the end of the passage.
  • Author in the sentence, page at the end.
• For sources without pages, use the author’s name or website title.

Additional Help and Resources

• McMaster University Library offers an MLA style guide.
• Visit the MLA Style Centre website.
• Access the MLA Handbook at Mills Library.
• Ask a Librarian for further guidance.