How to Cite a Book in MLA Format (9th Edition)

How to Cite a Book in MLA Format (9th Edition)

Keywords
Citing books correctly is essential for academic writing. The MLA 9th edition provides specific guidelines for citing books, which vary depending on the type of book and the details available. This article explains how to cite a book in MLA format, providing clear examples for different scenarios.

1. Basic MLA Citation for a Book:
The general format for citing a book in MLA is as follows:

  • Author(s). Title of the Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example:

  • Smith, John. The Science of Learning. Pearson, 2020.

2. Citing Edited Books:
When citing a book that is edited, include the editor’s name:

  • Editor(s). Title of the Book. Edited by First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year of Publication.

    • Example: Jones, Mary, editor. Modern Literature Studies. HarperCollins, 2018.

3. Citing a Chapter or Essay in a Book:
When citing a specific chapter or essay within an edited collection, use the following format:

  • Author(s) of the chapter. “Title of the Chapter.” Title of the Book, edited by Editor(s), Publisher, Year of Publication, page range.

    • Example: Black, Sarah. “Exploring New Media.” Contemporary Media Studies, edited by Mark Green, Oxford University Press, 2019, pp. 150-165.

4. Citing E-books and Online Books:
For e-books and online books, include the format and the URL (if accessed online).

Conclusion:
Properly citing books in MLA format is essential for academic writing and research. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure your book citations are accurate and adhere to MLA 9th edition standards.