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MLA Style
Footnotes & Bibliography
THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO LIBRARIES
The MLA Handbook advocates in-text referencing. The two main features of in-text referencing are
parenthetical references and the Works Cited page. Instead of the traditional endnotes or footnotes,
the writer uses references enclosed in parentheses within the text. These references refer to a list of
works arranged alphabetically at the end of the paper. Notes, described in the Endnotes and Foot-
notes section below, can still be used with in-text references for comments and explanations that
cannot be accommodated in the main text of the paper.
Provide only the information necessary to clearly and accurately identify the source of information.
Do not allow references to interrupt the flow of the text. Place them at the end of the phrase, clause,
sentence, or paragraph being referenced. Follow the reference with the appropriate punctuation
placed outside the parentheses. References should be placed outside quotation marks. If, however,
the reference is set off from the text, as with a long block quote, type a space and place the refer-
ence after the punctuation. Compile the Works Cited page before the actual writing of the paper, so
that you will know what to reference.
Note: Parentheses are not required when referencing an entire source. Instead, include the name of
the author(s) or the title in the body of the text. For example: "Mouly gives a comprehensive de-
scription of", or "Winger and Ziske argue that", or "Exposed provides an intriguing."
What is a Reference Citation?
What is MLA Style Reference Citation?
All research is based on research preceding it, and writers are required to reference, or document,
the original sources of information used. Any directly quoted or paraphrased ideas, words or
facts taken from another must be referenced. Failure to credit the work of others is plagiarism, or
literary theft.
The Modern Language Association's MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers provides
detailed information on referencing authors and their works. It is a widely accepted style in the
humanities disciplines. The MLA Handbook provides instructions for using both an in-text and note
oriented referencing format. Consult your instructor on their preference.
Using This Guide
In-Text References
In-text and note references will be described. Following these descriptions, sample references of
each type will be provided. Some of the examples are taken directly from the MLA Handbook.
Detailed information on direct quotations, use of quotation marks, abbreviations, or formatting
issues such as spacing and margins within the paper itself is not provided (spacing and margin
information is provided as it relates to references). Consult the MLA Handbook on these topics.