This guide will provide examples and tips for citing in the MLA citation style, one of the most commonly used citation styles. Citing sources gives proper credit to the thoughts and ideas that have shaped the arguments you use in your paper. Failure to properly cite your sources may result in a failing grade in your work. The MLA citation style is used in many academic disciplines including English and Modern Languages, history, philosophy, music, fine arts and other areas of the humanities.
MLA Handbook 9th Edition
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The official website of the Modern Language Association style guide resource is MLA Style Center. This link also has a collection of writing resources from the Modern Language Association.
*Note:
Students can check out the updated 9th edition MLA Handbook to borrow in-library. There are two copies that can be checked out and cannot leave the building. Here are the steps:
Purdue OWL: MLA Formatting and Style Guide
This is Purdue University's guide to the MLA citation style based on the MLA Handbook for writers of research papers
There are digital tools within the library databases and from other websites to help with computer generating citations. While these tools can be helpful in getting started, you should always double check them against the APSA style manual for accuracy. They will likely need some revisions.
Most library databases have a citation tool that provides computer generated citations. You have to select the style for the citation. Ideally, you would look for APSA. However, if that is not available, Chicago (Author-Date) format is similar and may help to act as a starting point.
These websites listed below can help you generate and/or organize your citations. All links open to a new window.
Lamar University's Writing Center offers free writing consultation services for students. These consultations can be either in person or online.
The Writing Center can help with:
You can make an appointment or get further information at the Lamar University Writing Center website (link opens to new window). You can also contact them using any of the methods listed below:
