This document provides information about MLA citation format. It defines what a citation is, explains why citations are important, and discusses which citation style (MLA, APA, or ASA) should be used depending on the specified requirements. The document also provides an example of how to cite a book in MLA format and mentions tools like library databases, Word, and websites that can help generate citations.

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MLA Citation Format
Spring 2015 – Adele Enright, Librarian
Rio Hondo College
Library

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What is a Citation?
 A citation is a reference to the source of an idea, information
or image. A citation usually includes identifying information,
such as the author, title, and publication format, that enables a
reader to be able to access the original source.

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Why Cite?
 You are using someone else’s intellectual property
 Credits the the author
 Acknowledges origin of your information
 Credibility is given to your paper, it show evidence of your
research
 Authenticity of your information is shown
 Location is stated so that the reader can access the original

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Which One Should I Use MLA, APA,
or ASA?
 MLA or Modern Language Association
 APA or American Psychological Association
 ASA or American Sociological Association
 Use the one your professor specifies!
 In general MLA is used researches in the Humanities. APA is
used by scientists, and ASA is used by social scientists.

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Cite this Book in MLA Format
 The Climate Revealed
 By William J Burroughs.
 Published (location): Cambridge
 Cambridge University Press
 Date: 1999. Pages: 192 pages
 ISBN: 0521770815
 Call number QC981.2.B87 1999

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Let’s See Your Citation
Burroughs, William J. Climate Revealed. New York: Cambridge
UP, 1999. Print.

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What Tools Can I Use to Help Me?
 Library Databases have citation creators as a feature.
 MS WORD
 Other websites
 Be sure to check the formats. Citation generators require the
user (you) to check for errors
 In the end, you are responsible for the citation format.
 Most professors at Rio Hondo want you to learn how to format
citations so that you can understand this process from the
ground up.

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MS WORD Citation Generator
(see Document Elements)