MLA Documentation Created by: Mrs. Dovre Library Media Specialist

MLA Documentation What is MLA? Why do it? When should you worry about MLA? Example In-text Example Works Cited How do you get there? Resources...

What is MLA? Fields of study such as science, math, literature, history, religion, and philosophy all depend on research in order to continue moving forward. Each of these fields agree about the importance of giving credit to information borrowed from others ("What is Style"). But, there are different ways to do this. Writings in the humanities (English and Social Studies) follow the rules of the Modern Language Association (MLA). These rules cover format, style, and bibliography. Back to Main Page

Why do it? Give credit to those who deserve credit. You can avoid plagiarism accusations. Gives you, the writer, more support. The more research you have done, the more knowledgeable you appear. Readers can access your sources for more information. Maintain integrity (it’s the right thing to do). Back to Main Page

When should you worry about it? Anytime you are writing a paper, creating video, audio, website, etc., for which you have to seek out information from a source other than yourself. These sources must be given credit. Back to Main Page How do you know? Because Einstein said so!

What it looks like in your writing: Back to Main Page This resource is provided by The Purdue OWL, “MLA Sample Page.”

What it looks like in the Works Cited: Back to Main Page

How do you get there? Determine which resources are really worth your research time Write down or highlight information that is helpful from each source Jot down the source information

Cont: How do you get there? Type of sourceItems to record Books, Magazines, Newspapers, Journals Author name(s), book title, publication date, publisher, place of publication. Individual Page on Web Sites Name of page, Editor, author, or compiler name, name of site, name of organization sponsoring or publishing the site, date of creation, date of access. Electronic Resources Author/editor name, article name, title of website, version numbers, publisher name and date, pages, date of access. Paintings, Sculptures, or Photographs Artist name, name of piece, date of creation, location where housed, name of website, date of access. These are the most common sources, visit one of the resources for others.

Then, write your paper. Wherever you rely on information from your notes/sources, give credit to that source in two places:  Following the information  At the end of the paper (Works Cited) o Use MLA guides/handouts for directions Back to Main Page Cont: How do you get there?

Resources... MLA Handbook Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue Citation Machine Easy Bib Back to Main Page

Works Cited (for this presentation)