Introduction
Properly citing sources is an important aspect of academic research, and this includes websites. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely used citation format, and it provides guidelines for properly citing all types of sources, including online resources. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to citing websites using MLA format. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply someone looking to improve your citation skills, you’ll find valuable information and resources here.
The Ultimate Guide to Citing Websites Using MLA Format
Before we dive into the specifics of citing websites in MLA format, let’s first review what it is and why it’s important. MLA format is a standardized citation style created by the Modern Language Association. It’s widely used in the humanities, particularly in literature and language studies. Proper citation in MLA format helps you give credit to the sources you consulted and allows readers to locate these sources efficiently. Now that you understand why MLA format is important, let’s take a look at the basic components of a citation.
Overview of the Basic Components of a Citation
There are several essential components of a basic MLA citation that you must include to ensure that you have created a complete citation. These include:
- The author’s name(s)
- The title of the source
- The container in which the source was published (for example, a book or a website)
- The version of the source (if applicable)
- The publisher or sponsoring organization
- The date the source was published or accessed
- URL or DOI (if applicable)
Now that you know the basic components of a citation, let’s focus on how to apply these components to website citations specifically.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Citing Websites in MLA Format
Here are the steps to follow when citing websites using MLA format:
Start with the author’s name or the sponsoring organization’s name
If an author is listed, start with their last name followed by a comma and their first name. If an organization is listed as the author, only include the name of the organization. For example:
- Smith, John
- National Institutes of Health
Include the title of the source
The title of the source, which can be an article title or website name, must be italicized. If a website name is used as the title, place it in quotation marks. For example:
- Cancer Research: A Comprehensive Guide
- “MedlinePlus.”
List the publisher or sponsoring organization
Include the name of the publisher or sponsoring organization, followed by a comma. For websites, you might need to look for the “About Us” page or research the site ownership. For example:
- University Press,
- National Institutes of Health,
Include the date of publication or last updated
If the page has a specific date, list it in day, month and year format, followed by a comma. If the site doesn’t list a specific date, use the abbreviation “n.d.” (no date). For example:
- 19 Mar. 2021,
- n.d.,
Provide the URL and date of access
The final element of a website citation is the URL or DOI, which is listed in angle brackets. Additionally, you must indicate the exact date you accessed the source. For example:
- <www.cancerresearch.com>,
- <www.medlineplus.gov>.
Here’s an example of a completed website citation using MLA format:
Smith, John. “Cancer Research: A Comprehensive Guide.” University Press, 19 Mar. 2021, <www.cancerresearch.com>.
Examples of Properly Formatted Website Citations for Various Types of Sources
Here are some examples of correctly formatted citations for different types of website sources:
Single Page on a Website
Author’s Name. “Page Title.” Website Name, Publisher or Sponsoring Organization, Date, URL.
Example:
Johnson, Amanda. “The Benefits of Yoga.” Yoga Journal, Active Interest Media, 13 April 2021, <www.yogajournal.com/the-benefits-of-yoga>.
Article from an Online Magazine or Newspaper
Author’s Name. “Article Title.” Magazine or Newspaper Title, Publisher or Sponsoring Organization, Date, URL.
Example:
Swan, James. “How to Plan Your Next Road Trip.” Travel + Leisure, Meredith Corporation, 28 Mar. 2021, <www.travelandleisure.com/plan-your-next-road-trip>.
Blog Post
Author’s Name. “Blog Post Title.” Blog Name, Publisher or Sponsoring Organization, Date, URL.
Example:
Williams, Julia. “How to Make Homemade Pasta.” The Kitchn, Apartment Therapy, 15 Apr. 2021, <www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-homemade-pasta-22914587>.
Online Video or Podcast
Creator or Host name. “Episode or Video Title.” Program Name, Publisher or Sponsoring Organization, Date, URL.
Example:
Gates, Bill. “Covid’s Lost Generation.” Gates Notes, 5 April 2021, <www.gatesnotes.com/health/covids-lost-generation>.
Walkthrough of a Sample Citation
Let’s walk through an example citation together so that you can see how to put it all together:
Smith, John. “Cancer Research: A Comprehensive Guide.” University Press, 19 Mar. 2021, <www.cancerresearch.com>.
In this example:
- “Smith, John” represents the author’s name.
- “Cancer Research: A Comprehensive Guide” represents the source title.
- “University Press” is the publisher or sponsoring organization.
- “19 Mar. 2021” indicates the date of publication.
- “<www.cancerresearch.com>” is the web address where the source can be found.
Mastering MLA Website Citations: Tips and Tricks
While the steps above are the basic components needed to create a citation in MLA format, there are still some common mistakes that many make when citing websites. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master MLA website citations:
Use the full URL
When citing a website, be sure to include the full URL or DOI instead of a shortened URL. This helps ensure that readers can access your sources.
Be consistent with capitalization and punctuation
Always capitalize the first word of the title and subtitle, as well as any proper nouns, and use quotation marks when necessary. Pay close attention to punctuation, such as commas and periods, and be consistent throughout your bibliography.
Use online citation tools
While learning how to format citations can be challenging, there are online tools available such as citation management software, online citation generators, and even web browser extensions that can help you simplify the process. Two popular tools are Zotero and EasyBib.
The Dos and Don’ts of Citing Websites in MLA Format
Now, let’s take a look at the dos and don’ts of citing websites in MLA format.
Do
- Include the full URL or DOI
- Use quotation marks when necessary
- Double-check your capitalization and punctuation
- Make sure your formatting is consistent throughout your bibliography
Don’t
- Use shortened URLs
- Forget to include the date of access
- Mix up the author’s name with the publisher’s name
- Forget to include the title of the source
MLA Website Citations: Everything You Need to Know
To summarize, MLA website citations require the author’s name, title of the source, publisher or sponsoring organization name, date of publication or access, and URL or DOI. It’s important to use quotation marks when necessary, follow consistent capitalization and punctuation, and always include the date of access. You can also utilize online resources to simplify the process of creating properly-formatted citations. Remember, accurate citations are crucial for giving credit to your sources and making your research credible and reliable.
Simplifying MLA Website Citations: A User-Friendly Guide
In conclusion, correctly citing websites in MLA format is an essential skill for any student, researcher, or professional involved in academic research. By following the simple steps provided in this article, you should now be able to easily create accurate citations for all types of website sources. Always remember to check your work, use online tools when necessary, and strive for consistent formatting, capitalization, and punctuation. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to mastering MLA website citations in no time.
