MLA Quick Citation Guide

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style is a writing and citation style commonly used in the humanities, especially language and literature. The MLA Handbook is currently on the 9th edition. 

This guide contains examples of common citation formats (in MLA style) and resources for additional information about using MLA style.

What is a DOI? 

DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique string of characters used to identify a specific object (such as a journal article). It works like a barcode or URL. 

I can’t find a DOI. What should I use instead? 

If your journal article does not have a DOI, use the URL. 

For in-text citations, do I need to list the author and page number every time? 

Use (Name Page Number) for your first in-text citation. Use just (Page Number) for citing additional quotes/paraphrasing in that paragraph UNTIL you cite another source. 

My website (or page on a website) doesn’t have an author. What should I do? 

When there is no author, write your citation without the author. For in-text citations, use the title of the webpage (or an abbreviated title, for pages with long titles).