How to Cite Sources in MLA 9
MLA 9 uses a flexible core-elements model rather than a separate rigid template for every source. The same metadata can produce different entries depending on what the source is contained in.
Method
- Identify the author and title of the source.
- Identify the container, such as a journal, book or website.
- Add volume, issue, date, publisher and location elements that apply.
- Review the final entry against the original source and assignment instructions.
Worked example
A journal article uses article title, journal container, volume, issue, date and pages.
A webpage usually uses page title, website container, publication date and URL.
Notes
- MLA 9 is the current handbook edition.
- Title capitalization and container relationships still require judgment.
- DOI metadata should always be reviewed before submission.
MLA 9 source types people most often need
Website or webpage
Check the page author when one is shown, page title, website name, publisher when relevant, publication date and URL. A missing individual author does not mean you should invent one; use the source details that are actually present.
Journal article
Keep the article title separate from the journal container, then verify volume, issue, publication date, page range and DOI or stable location.
Book or book chapter
For a book, verify author, title, edition, publisher and year. For a chapter, keep the chapter author and title separate from the book editor, book title and page range.
Build MLA 9 from core elements, not a memorized sentence
MLA 9 works best when you identify the core elements of the source and then place them into the correct container structure. Author, title of source, title of container, contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date and location are not all present for every source, so a rigid one-line template can create invented or misplaced fields.
A webpage, journal article and chapter can each use one or more containers. For example, an article sits inside a journal, and a database may be a second container. Keep each level separate so the citation reflects where the work was actually published and where you accessed it.
Do not invent missing authors, dates or publishers
If a webpage does not name an individual author, look for a responsible organization before deciding how to begin the entry. If no publication date is available, do not manufacture one from a copyright footer or access timestamp unless the assignment specifically instructs you to do so.
The same principle applies to publisher information. MLA sometimes omits a publisher when it is unnecessary or effectively the same as the site or organization. Verify the source and use the rule that fits that source type rather than forcing every field to be filled.
Treat the Works Cited entry and in-text citation as a pair
MLA in-text citations usually help the reader locate the matching Works Cited entry, often with an author name and page number when pages exist. Web sources without stable page numbers should not receive invented locators. The exact cue in the text should correspond to how the Works Cited entry begins.
A final check should therefore compare both sides. If the Works Cited entry begins with an organization because no individual author is shown, the in-text citation should not point to a different name. Consistency makes the citation traceable even before punctuation is inspected.
Authoritative references
Primary or authoritative references for the external standard, scoring rule or identifier convention used on this page.
Editorial review and limitations
Continue with the related tools
Use the linked tools for your own inputs and scenarios.
- APA Citation Generator — Generate APA 7 reference-list entries for journals, webpages, books and chapters, plus a matching parenthetical in-text citation.
- Chicago Citation Generator — Generate Chicago Manual of Style 18th edition bibliography or author-date references for journal articles, webpages, books and chapters.
- AMA Citation Generator — Generate AMA 11 references for journal articles, webpages, books and chapters, with DOI import and PubMed/NLM journal-abbreviation checks.