1. Edward G. Schumacher Memorial Library www. nc
Edward G. Schumacher Memorial Library MLA STYLE: CREDITING SOURCES AND AVOIDING PLAGIARISM

2. “MLA Style” You will learn: What ‘MLA Style’ is and how to use it
What ‘plagiarism’ is and how to avoid it
Where to learn more about ‘MLA Style’

3. What is “MLA style”? MLA=Modern Language Association
A style of “crediting” the sources quoted or paraphrased in your paper
Serves as the standard formatting for citations of scholarly writing in the fields of language and literature
Guidelines are accepted in many countries worldwide

4. MLA Citations
Give credit to the authors of the materials/resources that you are using
Are necessary for readers to research your findings and find more information if they are interested in your topic
Protects you from plagiarism*
Protects you from any possible copyright infringement issues

5. *What is plagiarism? And how does MLA Style prevent plagiarism?
Plagiarism is the act of taking another person’s writing, idea, song, or conversation and claiming that it is your own writing, idea, song, or conversation.
Whenever you paraphrase, summarize, or take words, phrases, or sentences from another’s work, you must indicate the source of the information within your paper using an internal citation called a ‘parenthetical citation’. Each citation is then listen alphabetically at the end of your paper in a ‘Works Cited’ list.
Credit is always given to the author!
Don’t take credit for others’ ideas.
Read the views of others and form your own conclusions.

6. MLA uses:
Short ‘parenthetical citations’ within the text that are linked to a ‘Works Cited’ list at the end of the research paper
A ‘Works Cited’ list/bibliography that is an alphabetical list of references
A specific format that is “generally” in this format:
Author’s last name, first name, title, publication, edition or chapter and year

7. Finding information about your sources
Books Look at title page and ‘verso’ page for title, author/ editor/organization that is responsible for content, and the publication’s place, name, and date.

8. Finding information about your sources
Articles from print periodicals Look at cover, contents page and spine for title, author/ editor/organization that is responsible for content, the publication’s name, and date.

9. Finding information about your sources
Online databases and websites
In addition to all author and publication information, include the name of the Library’s online database.
Example: ProQuest Research Library
If using a website, include all website access information in addition to all author and publication information. Include the date that you accessed website/website article.

10. Parenthetical Citations
Generally, a parenthetical citation includes the author’s last name and the page number(s) of the information used.
DIRECT QUOTE:
According to Smith, “graduation rates for female college students are increasing rapidly when compared to those of male college students” (158).
PARAPHRASING:
Graduation rates for female college students are rising faster than those of male college students (Smith 158).
PARAPHRASING USING AUTHOR’S NAME IN SENTENCE:
Smith writes that rates for graduating female college students are higher than rates for graduating male college students (158).

11. Types of Sources: Different citations are used Use examples in MLA WORKS CITED STYLE GUIDE
Books
Chapters, essays, stories, or poems in books
Encyclopedia articles
Works reprinted in an anthology
Magazine or journal articles
Newspaper articles
Internet Resources
Online periodicals
Online databases: scholarly journal articles
Online-only publications

12. Tips for using MLA Style
Go to
and click on ‘MLA Guide’ (Suggested Resources) from the Online Writing Lab of Purdue University.
Study the examples in the MLA Works Cited Style Guide from the E.G. Schumacher Memorial Library.
Information from print sources is usually found on the ‘title page’ and ‘verso page’ of the print item.

13. Research Papers: Style & Substance
Keep track of your sources
Record all publication and access information including URLs of web sites
Start a working bibliography
Study the citation examples in MLA Works Cited Style Guide (copies are available in the Library)
Substance:
Work with your instructor
Ask for help in the Library: how to find information in books and databases
Slides created by Joyce Tracy, Librarian/E.G. Schumacher Memorial Library
November 2011