Knowing how to properly cite sources is crucial for academic integrity. When you use information from a website in your paper, you need to give credit to the original author or creator. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style provides a standardized format for citing sources, including websites. This guide will walk you through the process of MLA website citation, ensuring you avoid plagiarism and strengthen your research credibility.
Understanding MLA Website Citation Basics
The core elements of an MLA website citation include:
- Author: The person or organization responsible for the website's content. If unavailable, use the website name.
- Website Title: The title of the website, italicized.
- Page Title (if applicable): The specific page title within the website, in quotation marks. If the entire website is your source, you can omit this.
- Publisher: The name of the organization or company that publishes the website (often the same as the website title).
- Publication Date: The date the website or specific page was published or last updated.
- URL: The website address (or the specific page URL if you cited a specific page).
- Date Accessed: The date you accessed the information.
Different Scenarios for MLA Website Citations
The formatting depends on what type of information you are citing. Here are a few common scenarios:
1. Citing an Entire Website
If your entire research is based on information found across the website, use this format:
Example:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Website Title." Publisher, Publication Date, URL. Date Accessed.
Example with missing information:
"Website Title." Publisher, Publication Date, URL. Date Accessed.
Remember to italicize the website title!
2. Citing a Specific Article or Page on a Website
When referencing a particular article or page within a larger website, you need to include the page title:
Example:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Page Title." Website Title, Publisher, Publication Date, URL. Date Accessed.
3. Citing a Website with No Author
If the author is unavailable, start with the website title:
Example:
"Website Title." Publisher, Publication Date, URL. Date Accessed.
4. Citing a Website with Multiple Authors
List up to three authors. If there are more than three, list the first author's name followed by "et al."
Example (three authors):
Author 1 Last Name, Author 1 First Name, Author 2 First Name Author 2 Last Name, and Author 3 First Name Author 3 Last Name. "Page Title." Website Title, Publisher, Publication Date, URL. Date Accessed.
Example (more than three authors):
Author 1 Last Name, Author 1 First Name et al. "Page Title." Website Title, Publisher, Publication Date, URL. Date Accessed.
Handling Missing Information
Sometimes, you might encounter websites lacking some of the required information. Do your best to find what you can, but don't panic if you're missing a publication date or author. Include what information is available.
In-Text Citations for Websites
Along with the works cited page, you need in-text citations to show where you used information from the website. In-text citations typically consist of the author's last name and page number (if available). If there's no author, use a shortened version of the website title.
Example (with author): (Smith 2)
Example (without author): ("Website Title" 4)
Mastering MLA Website Citations: Key Takeaways
Accurate MLA website citation is critical. By meticulously following the guidelines in this guide and paying close attention to detail, you can ensure your work maintains academic integrity and reflects professionalism. Remember, using a consistent citation format throughout your work is essential. Always double-check your citations before submitting your assignment. This will minimize the chances of any errors and demonstrate your commitment to academic honesty.
