MLA Handbook, 9th Edition
The ninth edition of the MLA Handbook, published in spring 2021, builds on the MLA's unique approach to documenting sources using a template of core elements--facts common to most sources, like author, title, and publication date--that allows writers to cite any type of work, from books, e-books, and journal articles in databases to song lyrics, online images, social media posts, dissertations, and more. With this focus on source evaluation as the cornerstone of citation, MLA style promotes the skills of information and digital literacy so crucial today. The new edition offers
- Expanded, in-depth guidance on how to use the MLA template of core elements to create works-cited-list entries that shows what each core element is, where to find it, and how to style it
- Clarification that element names are not always literal and can apply to a range of situations (e. g. the Publisher element can refer to the publisher of a book or sponsoring organization like the theater company that put on a play
- New chapters on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, numbers, italics, abbreviations, and principles of inclusive language
- Guidelines on setting up research papers in MLA format with updated advice on headings, lists, and title pages for group projects
- Revised, comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for creating a list of works cited in MLA format that are easier to learn and use than ever before
- A new appendix with hundreds of example works-cited-list entries by publication format, including websites, YouTube videos, interviews and more
- Detailed examples of how to find publication information for a variety of sources
- Newly revised explanations of in-text citations, including comprehensive advice on how to cite multiple authors of a single work
- Detailed guidance on using notes in MLA style
- Instructions on quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and avoiding plagiarism
- Annotated bibliography examples
- Numbered sections throughout for quick navigation
- Advanced tips for professional writers and scholars
The MLA Style Center
The MLA Style Center offers free online resources on MLA style, including an interactive MLA format template, answers to common questions on AS the MLA, advice from the MLA editors, and more. Get updates by signing up for the The Source newsletter, and follow us on Twitter @MLAstyle.
