MLA Citation

Properly citing your sources is an important part of any research project.  Not only are you giving credit where it's due, you're helping others understand the ideas that support your work by explaining where they came from.  A number of different style guides exist in order to make proper citation easier, as well as citation managers that will keep track of a large list of sources and format them in a variety of styles.

The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is used most often when citing resources in literature research papers.  Check with your professor to ensure that the MLA style is the preferred citation style  before you begin your paper.  The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 7th ed is the most recent handbook.   It is available for purchase through online book retailers.  A copy of the MLA Handbook is also available in the SJSU King Library.  The call number for the MLA Handbook is LB2369.G53 2009.  If all the copies are checked out there are three copies available in the reference section on the second floor.  It is important to make sure you are using the most current edition of the MLA Handbook.  While the older editions may still be available in the library, the 7th edition will have the most current citation styles.

When you do not have access to the library and need guidance on MLA Citations check out the Purdue Owl Online Writing Lab MLA Formatting and Style Guide.  This Guide is updated regularly and provides reliable and current information on MLA citations for books, peridocals, electronic and other common sources.

The RefWorks citation manager can take information about books, articles, and other sources and transform them into a recorded list of citations.  It will also automatically format them in any of a variety of styles including MLA format.  SJSU students and faculty receive a free subscription to RefWorks through the King Library.