Citation Help
MLA is most often used in English, rhetoric, foreign languages, and the humanities. Citations are created using both a detailed works cited list appearing at the end of a paper and brief in-text citations that direct readers to particular sources from that reference list.
The examples and rules described on this page are intended as a quick reference for general MLA citation. For more sources with exhaustive rules, exceptions to rules, and types of sources not described here, see the MLA resources below.
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MLA Handbook
by
Call Number: LB2369 .G53 2021ISBN: 9781603293518Publication Date: 2021"The ninth edition of the MLA Handbook is a textbook and reference guide that offers student writers and writing instructors guidance on creating works-cited-list entries in MLA style using the template of core elements. It features advice on punctuation, grammar, inclusive language, formatting research papers, and in-text citations. Includes an appendix of sample works-cited-list entries, illustrations, and an index."
We are happy to help you with your citation and paraphrasing questions at the Research Help Desk or during individual consultations. We have copies of the major citation styles manuals at the Research Help Desk and support two citation management software, RefWorks and Zotero, which can help you to organize your references and create your citations. Our full citation guide provides online resources and citation examples.
The Oberlin College Writing and Speaking Center can also assist with writing your research paper and citations. They provide assistance with writing mechanics, including citation, developing a research question or thesis, developing an argument to support your thesis, reviewing your paper for sentence-level corrections, and editing for flow and clarity.
Ways to Get Help
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Ask a Librarian
Get help from an Oberlin librarian. -
Citation Guide
Oberlin's citation guide for major citation styles, citation management software, and strategies to avoid plagiarism. -
Avoiding Plagiarism
A guide to strategies for avoiding plagiarism. -
Oberlin College Writing and Speaking Center
The Writing Center provides free drop-in writing consultations and appointments.
RefWorks
RefWorks is a citation management tool that helps researchers gather, manage, store and share information, as well as generate citations and bibliographies in a wide variety of styles.
- Search - Library catalogs including OBIS, OhioLINK, and others
- Store - PDFs online and take notes
- Share - Folders via URL
- Read - Search your references fulltext and save searches
- Write - Create a simple reference list and use Write-N-Cite to format paper in MS Word
The library’s subscription to ProQuest RefWorks allows students to maintain their accounts after graduation.
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RefWorks HelpDocumentation, how-to guides, and videos explaining RefWorks from ProQuest.
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RefWorks Basic FunctionalityOrganize references, create bibliographies, and get oriented inside Refworks.