MLA Style Citation Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presenter: Jessica from Scribbr
• Topic: Creating MLA style citations and a works cited list
• Platform: Google Docs

MLA Reference Entry Elements

1. Author(s):

   • Invert first author's name (Last, First).
   • List additional authors normally.
   • Use "et al." for three or more authors.

2. Title of Source:

   • Use title case.
   • Italics for self-contained works (books, movies).
   • "Quotation Marks" for parts of larger works (chapters, articles).

3. Container:

   • Italicize the container (book, journal, website).
   • Exclude if the source is self-contained.

4. Contributors:

   • List relevant contributors (translators, directors) after the container title.
   • Exclude if there are no contributors.

5. Version:

   • Include if available (e.g., edition of a book, director’s cut).

6. Number:

   • Include if the source is part of a numbered sequence (journal issue).

7. Publisher:

   • Include for books, films (e.g., Oxford University Press, Warner Brothers).

8. Publication Date:

   • Year is mandatory; month and day are optional.
   • Use "Accessed [date]" if no publication date.

9. Location:

   • Page range for chapters/articles.
   • URL/DOI for online sources.
   • Location for physical objects.

MLA Formatting in Google Docs

• Font & Size: Times New Roman, 12 pt
• Header:
  • Double click top of the page.
  • Add last name and automatic page number, right-aligned.
• Margins & Spacing:
  • 1-inch margins.
  • Double line spacing.
• Works Cited Page:
  • Heading "Works Cited" centered at the top.
  • References alphabetized by author's last name.
  • Hanging Indents:
    • Left-align the list.
    • Set hanging indents using the ruler (arrow to ½ inch, rectangle to 0).

Tools and Tips

• Citation Generator:
  • Use Scribbr's generator for ease.
  • Automatically organizes in alphabetical order.
• Additional Resources:
  • Check the playlist for more detailed MLA style help.

Conclusion

• Following these steps simplifies MLA citation formatting.
• Utilize available tools for efficiency.