VCSU Library Citation Guide

MLA Style, What and Why

MLA style is the set of formatting and citation guidelines created by the Modern Language Association. MLA is often used in the arts and humanities fields, including English, Philosophy, and Art. MLA Style is currently in it's 9th edition.

Your professor isn't asking you to use MLA style just to make your life harder. Following a citation style is important because it gives you a way to show which work is yours, what information you found from other sources, and makes it easy for the person reading your paper to find the sources used. Building your knowledge of formatting and citing in MLA will also help you in your future, whether you plan on entering the workforce or continuing your education. 

Tutorials and Tools

MLA Frequently Asked Questions Page - This "Ask the MLA" page has answers to a wide range of questions about using MLA format. 

MLA Works Cited Quick Guide - The quick guide offers an overview of the elements that make up a citation and includes an online practice tool.

MLA Sample Essays Page - View sample papers on the MLA website.

Purdue OWL MLA Formatting and Style Guide - The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is an excellent resource for learning about MLA Style. 

MLA 9th Edition at the Reference Desk - Come by the reference desk to check out the physical copy of the MLA handbook. 

You can cite this research guide using the guidelines for citing a website. Many research guides on the VCSU website, including this one, have a section called "meet your librarian" or "research & instruction librarian" with a librarian's name and contact information. When possible, use this name for the author, but if you can't find that information, just skip the author section. 

Example:

Beebe, Hannah. "MLA Citation Basics and In-Text Citations." VCSU Library Citation Guide, Valley City State University Library, https://library.vcsu.edu/citing/mlabasics. 27 Aug. 2025.