The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (MLA) style is commonly used in Humanities fields such as languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion, visual arts, and performing arts. If unclear, ask your instructor which citation style is preferred.
MLA 9th edition was released in April 2021. However, formatting for both in-text and Works Cited citations remains the same as in the 8th edition. Most changes are to the layout of the official handbook and use of inclusive language. Go here for an overview of MLA 9th Edition Updates.
Citation style guides offer instruction and examples for properly formatting citations in a given citation style. This can include formatting for in-text citations, end-of-paper citations as well as formatting for the paper itself, including rules for title pages, page numbering, font style and size, section headers and more.
-
MLA Style Guide (OWL)Created by the Purdue Online Writing Lab, this comprehensive style guide offers instruction on how to format in-text and end-of-paper citations for different source types, general formatting rules for a paper written in MLA style, and sample papers and presentations.
-
MLA Sample PaperPDF sample paper with instructive notes in the margins regarding proper MLA formatting of the paper itself.
-
(NEW!) MLA Micro-courseLearn all the basics of MLA. Includes practice exercises & quiz.
-
Understanding MLA Style (8th edition, 2016 updates)video (11:20)
-
OER MLA 8th Edition Style Guide (from Seneca Libraries)Created under a Creative Commons license by the staff at Seneca Libraries, this comprehensive and easy-to-use style guide includes instruction on how to format in-text and end-of-paper citations for different source types, general formatting rules for a paper written in MLA style, annotated bibliography instructions and examples, and sample papers using MLA style [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/]
Subject Guide
Sun: 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Mon-Thu: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer Hours
June: Sun: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Mon-Thu: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
July - August: Mon-Thu: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 800-847-3000, ext. 2222.
or check our knowledgebase or submit a question via online form.
Please note: If you need to request accommodations with content linked to on this guide, on the basis of a disability, please contact Accessibility Resources and Services by emailing them at Disability.Services@esc.edu. Requests for accommodations should be submitted as early as possible to allow for sufficient planning. If you have questions, please visit the Accessibility Resources and Services website.
