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MLA Style Citation Formatting

In 2016, the Modern Language Association (MLA) published a new, 8th (Eighth) edition, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.

The following websites and information at those sites are based on the latest 2016, 8th edition. We know that many people like using the automated "citation machines" to create their citations. If you use those types of sources, PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL that the citation machines are basing their information on the latest information.

As with other years, the new MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers presents some rules that are open to some interpretation. As you visit different credible websites and handouts to help you cite sources according to the MLA style, you might see some variations from source to source. ALWAYS, PLEASE REMEMBER that your teacher is the ultimate authority on the citations that you provide. The teacher's interpretation is what really matters. If you have any questions if your citations are correct, PLEASE check with your INSTRUCTOR.

We noticed at a few of the following websites that they have saved space by not double-spacing their citation examples in the works cited page. Please remember that when you type your citations for your MLA works cited page, you NEED to DOUBLE SPACE the lines. You NEED to DOUBLE SPACE the lines.

Most of the following websites will give MLA format examples/samples for the use of MLA quotations, MLA italics, MLA bibliography, MLA works cited page, MLA in text citations, and much more on MLA formatting.


The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is an EXCELLENT source for "all things writing." This site provides tips for developing a thesis statement, writing the paper, writing a resume, and much, much more. The main menu of the MLA Formatting and Style Guide is located at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/. A lot of very helpful information on how to cite according to the MLA Style can be located at this site, including a MLA sample paper at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/16/ .

The use of the MLA citation in text can be confusing, but the Purdue Online Writing Lab provides a lengthy web page devoted to the in text MLA citation.

University of Maryland University College - Information and Library Services MLA Citation Examples include how to cite "in-text", also.


At the Austin Community College web page, you need to scroll down the page a little in order to get to the examples. Be careful viewing the examples because the examples of print AND electronic sources are combined. This might be a little confusing. Towards the bottom of the page is a link that takes you to a very good sample research paper created according to MLA rules.


The University of Arizona University Libraries Citation Guide - MLA provides some helpful information.