MLA (Modern Language Association) style is the official citation style used in Hickey College classes.

The 8th edition of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is the authoritative source for MLA style. It is on the library Reference shelf (LC call number LB2369 .G53 2009) at all branches of Hickey College Library.


Here are a few online MLA resources:

Overview of MLA Style
What is MLA Style and why do we use it?

Quick Notes for MLA Citations
Reminders of the basic citation information that you need to jot down while you are researching.

Create Citations and a Bibliography in Microsoft Word 2010
If you are using Word 2010 to write your paper, be sure to use the “Citations and Bibliography” group under the “References” tab on the ribbon. Check out instructions from Microsoft on how to create a bibliography.

Citation Machine
Citation Machine is an online citation building tool. Click on MLA, then select the type of material that you would like to cite, fill in the form, and click submit. Citation Machine will show you an MLA style citation based on the information you put in the form.

EasyBib
Another online citation building tool. MLA citation help is available without registration. Look up resources by ISBN number, title, journal name, etc. and EasyBib will fill in many portions of their citation-creation form for you! Many added capabilities are available with (free) registration.

OWL at Purdue
Great site for MLA citation guidance, other citation styles, grammar tips, and plagiarism information.

Find MLA citation information by clicking on “Research and Citation” under “Navigation.” Scroll down and click on “MLA 2009 Formatting and Style Guide.”  Or click here.

Click here to go directly to a sample undergraduate paper. See how using MLA style is done correctly.

Cite This For Me (for Google Chrome)
If you use Google Chrome, be sure to download the Cite This For Me extension. Once installed (it’s free!), you can click the cite me button and a citation will be generated for whatever webpage you are currently on. You can also visit their website and create your own citations.

Zotero (for Firefox or Chrome Extension)
“Zotero [zoh-TAIR-oh] is a free, easy-to-use Firefox extension to help you collect, manage, and cite your research sources. It lives right where you do your work—in the web browser itself.” — Zotero website

Zotero really is easy to use and convenient.  It supports several citation styles, including MLA.

How to get started with Zotero:

  1. In Firefox click on Tools (at the top of your browser) and click on Add-ons.
  2. Click on Get Add-ons , type zotero in the search box, and hit enter.
  3. Click Add to Firefox.
  4. In Chrome, go to the App store.
  5. Search Zotero and click “add extension”.
  6. Make sure you sign up for a free account before you use it.

See the Zotero Quick Start Guide for more information.

If you have any questions about Zotero, please ask a librarian.

Need help checking your paper before you turn it in?

It is always a good habit to check your paper for plagiarism before you submit it to your instructor.

  1. QueText is a free plagiarism checking tool. You copy and paste your paper and it will notify you of problem areas.
  2. WriteCheck is a paid tool. You pay $7.95 per paper or you can purchase a plan and it checks plagiarism and grammar using Turnitin.com technology. You can sign up for paid tutoring as well if you need additional feedback in your paper.