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Research Guides

Citing Sources: MLA Style

An overview of tips, tools, and resources for all your citation needs

What is MLA Style?

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style is widely used in the humanities, especially in writing on language and literature. MLA style uses brief parenthetical citations in the text that refer to an alphabetical list of works cited appearing at the end of the work. 

MLA Style is used most heavily in disciplines that engage deeply with specific texts, including English, Literatures, Languages and Philosophy.

Note: the 9th edition of the MLA Handbook was released in May 2021. Many sites and citation generators may not yet be updated to reflect changes in this edition. 

Official Guidance from the MLA

Other MLA Guides

Books on MLA Style