The MLA citation style aids writing in the Humanities with its use of parenthetical references as opposed to footnotes. Parenthetical references are brief bibliographic references that are located within the text, as opposed to the bottom of the page or the end of the text, as footnotes or endnotes are. The placement of brief references within the text helps it to remain continuous and complete. The parenthetical references help the reader to concentrate on reading, the activity that provides a basis for work in the Humanities.

The examples below come from the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed. (2009).

Web

Advertisement

Blog Post

Book Review (Library Database)

Brochure (on Web Site)

Digital File (PowerPoint)

Google Book

Google Map

Government Report

e-Book (Library Database or Web Site)

Journal Article (Library Database)

Newspaper Article (Library Database)

Newspaper Article (Web Site)

PowerPoint (from Web Site)

Radio Show (Podcast)

TV Show

Video (on Web Site)

Web Site

Media

CD

DVD

Art Work

Print

Advertisement

Book

Book Review

Chapter in Edited Book

Exhibition Review

Government Document

Journal Article

Map

Musical Composition (Score)

Live Event

Interview

Live Performance

Lecture