Cite sources accurately in order to use information ethically and responsibly
MLA Citation Style
Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook (2022) recommended section: Works-Cited-List Entries by Publication Format
Purdue's OWL (Online Writing Lab) MLA Formatting and Style Guide
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MLA Handbook
by
Call Number: Online and print: Olin Library Reference (Non-Circulating) LB2369 .M52 2021ISBN: 9781603293532Publication Date: 2021-04-22
General MLA Format
General Format for MLA Style
Books:
- Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book: Subtitle if Any. Publisher, Year.
- Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Chapter, Short Story, or Essay." In Title of Book: Subtitle if Any. Edition if given and is not first edition, edited by Editor's First Name Last Name, Page Range of Chapter or Part. Place of publication: Publisher, Year.
Articles:
- Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Name of Journal, Volume Number, Issue Number, Date of Publication, pages. DOI or link.
Images/Art:
- Creator last name, First name. “Image Title.” or Description of image. Website Name, Day Month Year, URL.
- Helpful Sources→Scribbr MLA Quick Guide; Cornell Library Guide on Citation Styles
Quoting sources
Please note that the MLA Handbook devotes a significant section to guidance on
6.31–6.77: Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources
In addition to guidance, it gives examples of different types of quotations and how to integrate citations.
Managing Information
Use citation management/PDF organizing software to save time and energy when organizing and citing research materials.
The library has compiled a list of citation management tools, including Zotero and ZoteroBib. For advice choosing a citation manager or managing information, contact us for a consultation!
​Zotero is a free, open sourced, web-based tool for managing citation, organizing PDF's and creating bibliographies. It is a downloadable software program designed for humanities and social sciences research. The Library offers workshops to teach you how to use it. If there are no upcoming workshops, request a consultation using the link above.
ZoteroBib is a free, quick and easy online bibliography and citation maker that saves time and trouble. Add sources using the ZoteroBib search box. Then copy and paste the complete bibliography (or footnotes or in-text citations) into your paper in the citation style of your choice. (As great as ZoteroBib is, it isn't perfect. Check your citations carefully using citation style guides or ask a librarian for assistance.)
"Harlequin" butterly
Vladimir Nabokov. Butterfly drawing on dedication page of Look at the Harlequins! with fake name Arlequinus arlequinus. https://digital.library.cornell.edu/catalog/ss:8329921
Zotero for managing information
Zotero [zoh-TAIR-oh] is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources.
Get started with the basics of Zotero:
- Read through Zotero's Quick Start Guide
- Watch McGill University's Zotero Tutorial videos. Note that the Zotero interface is outdated in these videos, but how Zotero works has not changed:
- Introduction (1:45)
- Collecting References (2:31)
- Attachments & Notes (2:02)
- In-text Citations (1:38)
- Footnote Citations (1:46)
- Getting Organized (2:56)
- Online Syncing (1:28)
- Group Collaboration (2:01)
Learn more about Zotero through Cornell Library's workshops or contact a Cornell librarian for help (Cornell only!)