Understanding the Medium of Publication in MLA Citations
In academic writing, proper citation is essential for acknowledging the sources of information and ideas used in a paper. One commonly used citation style in the humanities is MLA (Modern Language Association) style. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the medium of publication in MLA citations, following the guidelines presented in the MLA Handbook (7th edition).
MLA: A Citation Style for the Humanities
MLA style is widely adopted in disciplines such as literature, language, and cultural studies. It provides guidelines for in-text citations and the formatting of the Works Cited page, which lists the full citations of all sources used in a paper.
In-Text Citations in MLA
In MLA, in-text citations require the author’s last name. They can appear within the sentence or at the end of the sentence. For example, “The data shows that citations are important” (Williams and Jones). When a source has two to three authors, their names are combined with “and” (e.g., Williams, Jones, and Smith). If a source has four or more authors, the first author’s name is mentioned followed by “et al.” (e.g., Saal et al.)
No Author? No Problem!
When no author is listed, you have two options for citation. First, you can use the publisher name if it appears at the bottom of the webpage next to the copyright date. Alternatively, you can use the shortened title of the source. However, it’s important to note that sources without named authors or publishers may not be considered reliable.
Citing Multiple Sources
When citing multiple different sources in the same citation, list them in alphabetical order and separate them with semicolons. For example, “The data shows that citations are important” (Aeron; Coldwater et al.; Williams and Jones). In cases where there are two or more authors with the same last name, include their first initial to differentiate the sources.
The Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is an essential component of an MLA-formatted paper. It provides a complete list of all sources cited in the paper. Here are some key points to remember:
- Start your Works Cited page on a new page and title it “Works Cited.”
- Use a hanging indent for all citations, where every line after the first is indented half an inch.
- Alphabetize sources by the author’s last name. If there is no author, alphabetize by the first major word in the title.
- Include the author’s name, book title, edition (if applicable), city of publication, publisher name, year of publication, and medium of publication when citing books.
- For edited books, list each individual article or chapter used, along with the book editor’s name.
- Journal articles require the author’s name, article title, journal title, volume and issue number, year of publication, page range, and medium of publication.
- Newspaper articles should include the day, month, and year of publication, along with the newspaper title.
- Webpages should provide the day, month, and year of publication, as well as the day, month, and year of last access.
Reliability of the Information
When evaluating the reliability of information, it is crucial to consult reputable sources. The following sources can provide further information on MLA citations:
- MLA Handbook (8th edition) – The official guide published by the Modern Language Association.
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) – A reputable online resource that provides detailed information on MLA formatting and citations.
- EasyBib – A trusted citation generator that follows MLA guidelines and provides examples for various types of sources.
- Miami University Libraries – The library website of Miami University provides a comprehensive guide to MLA citations, including examples and explanations.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article and consulting reliable sources, writers can ensure accurate and proper MLA citations in their academic work.
Sources
- MLA Style (7th Edition) Handout | Howe Center for Writing Excellence – Miami University
- How do Icite in MLA style? – LibAnswers
- MLA Formatting and Style Guide – Purdue OWL® – Purdue University
FAQs
Understanding the Medium of Publication in MLA Citations
What is MLA style, and why is it commonly used in the humanities?
MLA style is a citation style developed by the Modern Language Association and is widely used in disciplines such as literature, language, and cultural studies. It provides a standardized format for documenting sources and ensuring proper attribution of ideas and information used in academic writing.
How should I format in-text citations in MLA?
In MLA, in-text citations typically include the author’s last name and can appear either within the sentence or at the end of the sentence. For example, “The data shows that citations are important” (Williams and Jones). However, specific rules apply when the source has multiple authors, no author, or when citing indirect sources.
Are page numbers required in MLA citations?
Page numbers are typically required for direct quotations from sources that have numbered pages. When quoting directly from a source, include the author’s last name and the page number in the in-text citation. If the source does not have page numbers, such as a website or an online article, you can omit the page number from the citation.
How do I cite sources with multiple authors in MLA?
When a source has two to three authors, their names are combined using the word “and” in the in-text citation. For example, (Williams, Jones, and Smith). If a source has four or more authors, you can use “et al.” after the first author’s name, which means “and others” in Latin.
What should I do when a source has no listed author?
If a source does not list an author, you can use the publisher’s name or the shortened title of the source in the in-text citation. However, it is important to note that using sources without named authors or publishers may affect the credibility and reliability of the information.
How do I cite multiple sources within the same citation?
When citing multiple different sources in the same citation, list them in alphabetical order by the authors’ last names and separate them with semicolons. For example, (Aeron; Coldwater et al.; Williams and Jones).
What should I do when there are multiple authors with the same last name?
To differentiate between authors with the same last name, include their first initial in the in-text citation. For example, (J. Smith) or(S. Smith).
How should I format the Works Cited page in MLA?
The Works Cited page is an essential component of an MLA-formatted paper. It should start on a new page and be titled “Works Cited.” The citations should be listed alphabetically by the author’s last name or, if no author is listed, by the first major word in the title. Each citation should follow a specific format depending