Citing sources correctly is crucial for academic integrity. When you use information from a website in your MLA paper, you need to cite it properly both in-text and in your Works Cited page. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to ensure you're citing websites accurately according to the latest MLA guidelines.
Understanding MLA Website Citations
MLA (Modern Language Association) style emphasizes brevity and clarity. A website citation typically includes the following information:
- Author: If available. If no author is listed, start with the title.
- Title of the Page: The specific page title you used. Use quotation marks.
- Website Name: The name of the website (italicized).
- Publisher (if different from website name): Sometimes a different organization publishes content on a website.
- Publication Date: The date the page was published or last updated.
- URL: The web address.
- Date Accessed: The date you accessed the information.
How to Cite a Website in MLA: In-Text Citations
In-text citations are brief references within your paper that correspond to entries in your Works Cited page. They usually include the author's last name and page number (if available) or a shortened title.
Examples:
- With Author: (Smith 12). This would refer to page 12 of a work by Smith.
- Without Author, using Title: ("Impact of Social Media" 5). This would be for page 5 of a page titled "Impact of Social Media".
- Long Title: If the title is long, shorten it for in-text citations: ("Digital Marketing Strategies" 7).
Placement: In-text citations typically go at the end of the sentence containing the borrowed information, before the period.
How to Cite a Website in MLA: Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page appears at the end of your paper. It lists all the sources you cited in alphabetical order by the first element of the citation (usually the author's last name).
Basic Format:
Author. "Title of the page." Website Name, Publisher, Publication Date, URL, Date Accessed.
Examples:
Example 1: Website with an Author
Smith, John. "The History of Coffee." Coffee Chronicles, Coffee Lovers' Association, 15 Oct. 2023, www.coffeelovers.org/history, 20 Nov. 2023.
Example 2: Website without an Author
"Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears." National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 12 June 2022, www.nationalgeographic.com/climate-change, 22 Nov. 2023.
Example 3: Website with a corporate author
American Psychological Association. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 7th ed., American Psychological Association, 2020, www.apastyle.org. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
Important Notes:
- Hanging Indents: Use hanging indents for each entry in your Works Cited page. The first line is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented.
- Italics: Italicize titles of websites and longer works.
- URLs: Include the full URL.
- Dates: Use consistent date formats (e.g., Day Month Year).
- Accuracy: Double-check all information for accuracy. A small mistake can significantly impact your credibility.
Handling Different Website Structures
Different websites are structured differently. Adapt the basic format as needed. If you are unsure about a specific element, consider omitting it rather than including inaccurate information. For example, if the publication date is unavailable, omit it.
Using a Citation Management Tool
Citation management tools like Zotero or Mendeley can significantly simplify the process of creating MLA citations. These tools automatically format citations based on the information you provide.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently and correctly cite websites in your MLA papers, ensuring both academic integrity and clear attribution of sources. Remember to always double-check your citations before submitting your work.
