MLA Style Core Elements

The 8th Edition of the MLA Handbook seeks to streamline the citation process by providing a “universal set of guidelines” which apply when citing sources from all format types. To that end, MLA has highlighted 9 core elements which may comprise an MLA style citation:

1

Author.

2

Title of source.

3

Title of container,

4

Other contributors,

5

Version,

6

Number,

7

Publisher,

8

Publication date,

9

Location.

Citing Sources

MLA Citation Basics

  • The sample citations reflect the rules found in the Modern Language Association's 8th edition handbook. There is now a 9th edition available in the print "Reserve" collection (may only be used in the building) at the USF St. Pete Library: 
  • Entitle the list of citations "Works Cited" (without the quotation marks). 
  • All references should be double-spaced; if an entry runs more than one line, indent the subsequent line(s) one-half inch.
  • Alphabetize works cited by title, ignoring the articles A, An, and The.  Please see the MLA Handbook for in-text citation guidelines.

MLA Tutorials

  • Last Updated: Aug 20, 2025 1:45 PM
  • URL: https://guides.lib.usf.edu/citingsources