University Libraries: How to Cite Resources: MLA Style

Ask the Library

Who Uses MLA Style?

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style is most often used by students (and scholars) in the Humanities, but is especially used in English Language and Literature courses. If you aren't sure which citation style to use, be sure to ask your Professor which style they prefer for assignments in their class.

MLA Handbook by The Modern Language Association of America
Call Number: Online or Reference LB2369 .M52 2021
ISBN: 1603293515
Publication Date: 2021-04-06
Click the link to access the online version of the MLA handbook. A printed copy of the 9th edition of the MLA Handbook is also available for in library use at the Bryan Information Commons help desk.
MLA Handbook by The Modern Language Association of America
Call Number: Reference LB2369 .M52 2016
ISBN: 1603292624
Publication Date: 2016-04-01
A copy of the 8th edition of the MLA handbook is available for in library use at the Bryan Information Commons help desk.

Citing Data in MLA

Since MLA does not have specific citation style for data, cite datasets using the general rules for a web document.

MLA Works Cited: Electronic Sources (Web Publications)

How to Cite AI in MLA Style

How do I cite generative AI in MLA Style?
The editors of MLA style provide guidance for citing AI content

MLA Formatting Example Sites

MLA Style Center: Works Cited: a Quick Guide
How to use the Core elements. Defines containers for information. Templates for creating citations.
MLA Formatting at Purdue OWL
MLA style examples from the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University. Good examples of citing electronic resources.
MLA Sample Paper from Owl Purdue
You can view a sample paper to see how pages are set up in MLA style.

Automated Citation Generators

MLA Style Center Interactive Practice Template
Fill out this online template to generate an MLA style citation. This guide also helps you understand which elements go in which order in an MLA style citation.
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Zotero [zoh-TAIR-oh] is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources. It lives right where you do your work—in the web browser itself.
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Zotero is the only research tool that automatically senses content, allowing you to add it to your personal library with a single click. Whether you're searching for a preprint on arXiv.org, a journal article from JSTOR, a news story from the New York Times, or a book from your university library catalog, Zotero has you covered with support for thousands of sites.
Mendeley
Mendeley is a free reference manager that can help you save references and PDFs, organize your citations, and insert automated bibliographies.