How to Write an MLA-Style Bibliography

Writers of research papers often use MLA style to cite references.

MLA style is a format commonly used in essays, research papers and manuscripts. Formatting includes setting the margins to 1 inch on all four sides, double spacing, putting your full name, instructor's name, class and date on the title first page, numbering the page numbers on the top right margin of the document, using 12-point font and italicizing titles of works. MLA-style bibliographies appear on the last page and protect writers from allegations of plagiarism by crediting references and resources. Bibliographies are single-spaced, and the second line is indented with exactly one tab.

Things You'll Need

• Book

Instructions

1. Type the author's last name, add a comma, type the author's first name and then add a period. If there are additional authors, enter "and" after the previous author's last name, write the second author's first and last name and then place the period. List the entries in alphabetical order.

2. Write the name of the book, underline it and then add a period.

3. Mention the numerical edition of the book, if applicable, followed by a period.

4. Indicate the city in which the book is published and then place a colon.

5. Copy the name of the publisher, followed by a comma.

6. Record the year the book was published and then place a period.

References

• MLA format guidelines
• Examples of MLA-style bibliographies