Citing Electronic Sources in MLA 9th Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide

Citing Electronic Sources in MLA 9th Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide

The MLA 9th edition offers several changes and improvements compared to its predecessor, the 8th edition. One of the most significant updates is how electronic sources are cited. If you're a student or researcher struggling with citing online sources in MLA style, this guide is for you.

Understanding the Changes

In MLA 9th edition, the format for citing online sources has been simplified and clarified. Gone are the days of complicated rules and multiple formats. The new guidelines prioritize clarity and consistency. To take advantage of these changes, it's essential to understand the new formatting requirements.

Tip #1: Identify the Type of Source

When citing an electronic source in MLA 9th edition, you need to identify its type first. Is it a website, e-book, or journal article? Each type has its unique format and requirements.

• Websites: Typically require a URL and no DOI (digital object identifier) is needed.
• E-books and e-journals: Require an access date and the name of the database if applicable.
• Journal articles: May require a DOI or a URL with a specific path.

Preparing Your Source

Before citing your electronic source, ensure you have the necessary information. This includes:

1. The author's last name and page number(s) (if applicable)
2. The title of the work
3. The publication date (if available)
4. The URL or DOI (depending on the type of source)

Citing Electronic Sources

Now that you have your source information, it's time to format your citation:

• Websites:
  • Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Page." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Example: Smith, John. "The History of Technology." TechCrunch, 15 Jan. 2020, www.techcrunch.com/2020/01/15/the-history-of-technology/
• E-books and e-journals:
  • Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Chapter or Article." Title of Book or Journal, Day Month Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. Accessed Date. Example: Johnson, Maria. "The Impact of Social Media." The Digital Age, 10 Feb. 2020, pp. 12-25. doi: 10.1234/digitalage2020
• Journal articles:
  • Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, Day Month Year of Publication, Vol. Issue, pp. Page Numbers. Example: Williams, David. "The Effects of Climate Change." Environmental Studies Quarterly, 20 Jan. 2020, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 12-25.

Conclusion

Citing electronic sources in MLA 9th edition can be a daunting task, but with these step-by-step guidelines, you'll be well on your way to formatting your citations correctly. Remember to identify the type of source, gather necessary information, and apply the correct format for your citation.