Master MLA Citation Style with this 8th Edition Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Citing an article from a library database
   • Author
   • Article title
   • Journal name
   • Volume, issue, and date
   • Page numbers
   • Database and URL
   • Indentation
3. In-text citation
   • Mentioning the author's name in the sentence
   • Not mentioning the author's name in the sentence
4. Conclusion
5. Recommendation: Get a copy of the MLA Handbook
6. Assistance from librarians

Citing an Article from a Library Database according to MLA Citation Style

Citing an article from a library database can sometimes be a daunting task, especially if You are unfamiliar with the MLA citation style. However, with a little guidance, you can demystify the process and Create accurate citations. This article will walk you through the step-by-step process of citing an article, covering various elements such as the author, article title, journal information, page numbers, database, and URL. Additionally, we will discuss the proper indentation required for MLA citations. By following this guide, you will gain a better understanding of how to cite articles from library databases using MLA style.

Citing an Article from a Library Database

Author

The first element to consider when citing an article is the author. Locate the author's name, which is typically found near the top of the article or on an information page at the front of the article. In MLA style, the author's name should be inverted. For example, if the author's name is Edward I. Condren, you should write it as Condren, Edward I. If there is only one author, add a period to indicate that this part is complete.

Article Title

The article's title is the next important element in your citation. It is usually located at the top of the document and is formatted in title case, which means capitalizing the first letters of all important words. However, keep in mind that even if the title is in all caps, you should still format it in title case for MLA citations. Enclose the article title in quotation marks to indicate that it is a small work within a larger work, such as an article within a journal or a short story within an anthology. End the title with a period inside the final quotation mark.

Journal Name

After mentioning the article information, you need to provide the journal name or the container where the article is published. The journal title is usually written in smaller Type and is commonly found at the bottom of the article or on an information page. In MLA style, journal titles should be italicized to distinguish them as larger works. Do not include a period after the journal title, as journals have volumes, issues, and dates.

Volume, Issue, and Date

Journals are organized into volumes, issues, and specific publication dates. Volumes contain multiple issues, similar to how TV shows have seasons and episodes. Provide the volume number by separating it from the journal title with a comma, a space, and the abbreviation "VOL" followed by a period. For example, if the article is from volume ten, write "VOL. 10" after the journal title. Then, indicate the issue number by writing "NO." followed by a space and the issue number, separated by a comma and followed by a period. For example, if the article is from issue one, write "NO. 1" after the volume number. After the issue number, include a comma to separate it from the next element.

The publication date can vary, and the source may provide different levels of information, such as the year, month and year, or a specific season and year. Include as much information about the publication date as the source provides. For example, if the article was published in Summer 1975, include that information in your citation.

Page Numbers

To complete the journal citation, include the page numbers. Indicate the page numbers with the abbreviation "pp" for pages plural, followed by a period and a space. Write the starting page number, followed by an en dash, and then the ending page number. For example, if the article starts on page 87 and ends on page 95, write "pp. 87–95" after the publication date.

Database and URL

At the end of the citation, indicate the database from which you accessed the article. If you found the article in a specific database, include the database title. Write it in italics to denote it as a container. In addition, if you accessed the article online and a stable URL or permalink is available, include it in the citation. Look for a reliable and shorter URL labeled "permalink" or "stable URL" to ensure the link won't change. Place a comma after the database title, followed by a space and the URL. Ensure the URL is in plain text without underlines or other formatting. End the citation with a period.

Indentation

In MLA style, citations require a hanging indent. The first line of each citation should start at the left margin, while subsequent lines should be indented. Avoid using the tab key for indentation, as it may result in incorrect spacing. Instead, utilize the hanging indent function available in your word processing software.

In-text Citation

In addition to the works cited entry, you need to provide in-text citations when using information from the cited article. The format of the in-text citation depends on whether you have Mentioned the author's name in the sentence or not.

Mentioning the Author's Name in the Sentence

If you include the author's name in the sentence, you only need to provide the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example, "According to Edward I. Condren, the information presented (95)." Include the page number where the information is found within the parentheses.

Not Mentioning the Author's Name in the Sentence

If you do not mention the author's name in the sentence, you can give credit by including the author's last name in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Follow the author's last name with the page number where the information is found. For example, "The information presented supports this claim (Condren 95)."

Conclusion

Citing articles from library databases using MLA style can initially appear complex, but by following these step-by-step instructions, you can create accurate citations. Remember to locate and correctly format the author's name, article title, journal information, page numbers, database, and URL. Additionally, ensure your citations have the proper indentation. By mastering the art of MLA citation, you will showcase your ability to properly credit sources and strengthen your academic writing.

Recommendation: Get a Copy of the MLA Handbook

To further enhance your citation skills, it is highly recommended that you obtain a copy of the MLA Handbook. The MLA Handbook provides comprehensive guidance on how to cite various sources correctly. It is a valuable resource for any Writer or student. If you are unsure about how to utilize the MLA Handbook, you can always Seek assistance from friendly librarians available at the SCC Library's Information Desk.

Assistance from Librarians

Citation can sometimes be confusing, but you don't have to face it alone. Librarians are knowledgeable and trained to help you with your research, including citing sources in MLA style. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding MLA citation, don't hesitate to visit the library and ask for assistance. The librarians will be more than happy to guide you through the citation process and ensure your sources are properly credited.

Highlights

• Learn how to cite articles from library databases using MLA style.
• Understand the importance of correctly formatting author names, article titles, journal information, page numbers, databases, and URLs.
• Discover the significance of indentation in MLA citations.
• Master the art of in-text citation, whether mentioning the author's name in the sentence or not.
• Obtain a copy of the MLA Handbook for comprehensive guidance on citing various sources correctly.
• Seek assistance from friendly librarians at the SCC Library's Information Desk for any citation-related queries.

FAQ

Q: What should I do if the article has multiple authors? A: If the article has multiple authors, include all their names in the citation, inverted and separated by commas.

Q: Can I use a URL shortener for the database URL in the citation? A: It is recommended to use the original URL provided on the cover sheet or the database's "permalink" or "stable URL" to ensure the link remains accessible.

Q: How do I create a hanging indent in my word processing software? A: The process of creating a hanging indent may vary depending on the software you are using. It is best to consult the software's documentation or seek assistance from a librarian.