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Buena Vista University

MLA Citations (9th ed.): Home

This guide will help you format your paper and cite your sources according to MLA.

MLA Resources & Links

Library contact information

Email: library@bvu.edu

Text us: 712-794-4288

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MLA Overview

The Modern Language Association of America (MLA) style is a collection of formatting, citation, and stylistic rules. This guide can help you with:

1. Formatting Your Paper - how to set up your paper including the margins, font, and your reference list.
2. In-text citations - how to cite your references in the text of your paper.
3. Works Cited List - examples and explanations for citing your sources in the various formats for your works cited page at the end of your paper.
4. Tables & Figures - how to properly format and label tables & figures within and at the end of your research.
5. Avoiding Plagiarism - information on BVU's academic honesty policy and Turnitin, an online tool to detect where sources need to be cited.

 

For more detailed information, consult the Publication Manual of the Modern Language Association of America, 9th edition. Also feel free to consult a librarian for more help.

REMEMBER:  You are expected to cite your sources IN-TEXT as well as in your Works Cited list.

What is a DOI?

A DOI is a digital object identifier – a unique alphanumeric code that gives a persistent link to the web location for an electronic item. DOIs are commonly seen on current electronic journal articles or other digital sources.

All DOIs should be presented as hyperlinks, as in the example below. Old versions of DOIs should be updated to hyperlinks. If the work is to be published or read online, the hyperlinks should be live.

Example: https://doi.org/10.1080/14622200410001676305

Remember:
  • Use a DOI (if assigned to the article) in citing articles whether accessed in the print or electronic form.
  • A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is preferable to a URL when citing an online resource.