MLA Citation Format

What is MLA citation style?

The Modern Language Association Links to an external site. (MLA) is an organization responsible for developing MLA format, often called MLA style. MLA format was developed as a means for researchers, students, and scholars in the literature and language fields to use a uniform way to format their papers and assignments. This uniform, or consistent, method to developing an MLA paper or assignment allows for easy reading. Today, MLA is not only used in literature and language subject areas; many others have adopted it as well.

Here are a few excellent online guides to help you create proper MLA citations:

• The OWL at Purdue: MLA Formatting and Style Guide (Online Writing Lab at Purdue University)

• The Writing Center  at the University of Wisconsin, Madison