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

“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’

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

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

*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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

Tips for using MLA Style Go to http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl 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.

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