English: MLA & APA

Modern Language Association (MLA) Help

Don't forget to cite your sources! Giving credit when using the work and ideas of others is critical for academic integrity.  You must always cite everything that isn't your own original idea or common knowledge.

Need help citing your sources in MLA? Try the Purdue OWL MLA Formatting and Style Guide from the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL).

This free resource offers a sample Works Cited page, basic formatting instructions, and specific instructions and examples for:

• Books
• Periodicals
• Electronic Sources
• Interviews, speeches, lectures, photographs, paintings, songs, movies, TV shows, Podcasts, digital files, and more!

Citing Sources in Databases

Did you know that most Mitchell Community College Library databases can generate citations in a few simple steps?

In ProQuest Central, simply:

1. Open the link to an article, and then click "Cite" on the right side of the page.

2. Select your preferred citation style from the drop-down menu and click "Change," then copy and paste the text shown into your Works Cited page. 

NOTE: citations created by citation generators are only as good as the information they are provided, and can sometimes make mistakes. For example, this citation failed to capitalize several words, and the spacing needs to be adjusted.  Always double-check your citations using a reliable guide.  Consult a style manual on reserve at the Huskins Library circulation desk, or contact a Mitchell librarian for assistance. 

Image credit:  ProQuest citation example, ProQuest citation example, (c) Sarah Sowa, Mitchell Community College, all rights reserved.

Citing Sources with EasyBib

You can also use a citation generator, like EasyBib, to create citations for sources.

Simply:

1. Go to EasyBib.com.
2. Select desired format (MLA 8th Edition or APA 7th Edition).
3. Select the correct source format (from the tabs above the search box).
4. Enter the required search terms (URL, ISBN, etc.) into the search box and click "Cite It."
5. Select the matching source from the list provided (click "Cite It" again).
6. Click "Continue" after reviewing the information gathered by EasyBib, then fill in any of the missing information you can find on the following page, then click "Cite." You may have to leave some fields blank, but do your best to fill in as much information as you can.
7. Copy and paste your citation into your Word Document.
8. Double-check your citation for errors (Do not skip this step!).

NOTE: Citations created by citation generators are only as good as the information they are provided, and can sometimes make mistakes. For example, this citation failed to capitalize several words, and the spacing needs to be adjusted. Consult an MLA manual on reserve at the Huskins Library circulation desk, or contact a Mitchell librarian for assistance. 

How to Add a Hanging Indent to References/Works Cited in Microsoft Word

A hanging indent is when all lines except the first line of each entry are indented.

The first line of each source entry should start at the far left, with each additional line of the entry being indented.

To create a hanging indent in Microsoft Word:

1.  Open your document to your References or Works Cited Page.  Use your mouse to highlight your list of sources.

2.  Click on the drop-down arrow below the Paragraph menu.

3.  In the Paragraph box, under Special, use the drop-down menu to select Hanging, then click OK.  You can also select Double under the Line spacing drop-down menu at this time, if you have not already double-spaced your source list.

4.  Your sources should now all have a hanging indent!

Image credits:  Microsoft Word paragraph menu, Microsoft Word paragraph box, Microsoft Word sources with hanging indent, (c) Sarah Sowa, Mitchell Community College, all rights reserved.

The Little Seagull Handbook

Available at both Statesville and Mooresville campus library locations, the Little Seagull Handbook with Exercises is a great tool for students looking to sharpen their citation skills.

Visit the main desk of the library to use a copy on reserve (library use only), or visit the stacks to check out a copy for home use.

The Tutoring Center

The Tutoring Center offers free peer tutoring in most courses. If you would like to utilize these academic support services at no cost, please fill out the online form (link below) and drop by a Tutoring Center location to pick up a referral form for your instructor to sign. Return with the signed form and get the help you need!

Tutoring Center Locations

Statesville Campus - (704) 978-3116
Huskins Library, First Floor (basement)

Mooresville Campus - (704) 978-5412
George W. Brawley, Jr. Building, Room 093

Contact:

Teresa Jordan, Administrative Specialist
(704) 978-3116
tjordan@mitchellcc.edu