How to Cite a Blog in MLA Style
Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation
Before we dive into the specifics of citing a blog in MLA style, it’s essential to understand the basics of MLA citation. MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a widely used citation style in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies. In MLA style, citations are used to credit the original authors of ideas, arguments, and sources.
The Basics of MLA Citation
In MLA style, citations are used to indicate the source of information, including books, articles, websites, and other sources. The citation format varies depending on the type of source, but most sources follow the same general guidelines.
Types of Sources in MLA Style
Here are some common types of sources in MLA style:
- Books: MLA style uses the author-date citation format for books.
- Articles: MLA style uses the author-date citation format for articles.
- Websites: MLA style uses the author-date citation format for websites.
- Other sources: MLA style uses the author-date citation format for other sources, such as videos, podcasts, and social media posts.
MLA Citation Format
Here is the MLA citation format for different types of sources:
- Books:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
- Example: Smith, John. The History of Literature. Random House, 2010.
- Articles:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Periodical, Volume Number, Issue Number, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
- Example: Johnson, Jane. "The Impact of Social Media on Society." Journal of Social Media, vol. 10, no. 2, 2019, pp. 12-20.
- Websites:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.url.com, accessed Day Month Year of Accession.
- Example: Williams, Emily. "The Benefits of Meditation." Mindful, 2020, https://www.mindful.com/meditation-benefits/, accessed 10 Jan. 2020.
- Other sources:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of Source." Title of Source, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.url.com, accessed Day Month Year of Accession.
- Example: Smith, John. "The History of Literature." The History of Literature, 2010, https://www.historyofliterature.com/, accessed 10 Jan. 2020.
MLA Citation Guidelines
Here are some general guidelines for MLA citation:
- In-text citations: Use the author-date citation format for in-text citations.
- Works Cited page: List all sources in the Works Cited page, in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
- Page numbers: Include page numbers in the Works Cited page, unless the source is a website or an article without page numbers.
- URLs: Include URLs in the Works Cited page, unless the source is a website or an article without a URL.
Citing a Blog in MLA Style
Here are some tips for citing a blog in MLA style:
- Use the author-date citation format: Use the author-date citation format for in-text citations and the Works Cited page.
- Include the author’s name: Include the author’s name in the Works Cited page, unless the source is a website or an article without a URL.
- Use the title of the blog: Use the title of the blog in the Works Cited page, unless the source is a website or an article without a title.
- Include the date of publication: Include the date of publication in the Works Cited page, unless the source is a website or an article without a date.
Example of a Blog Citation in MLA Style
Here is an example of a blog citation in MLA style:
Smith, John. "The Benefits of Meditation." Mindful, 2020, https://www.mindful.com/meditation-benefits/, accessed 10 Jan. 2020.
Tips for Citing a Blog in MLA Style
Here are some additional tips for citing a blog in MLA style:
- Use a consistent citation style: Use a consistent citation style throughout the blog post.
- Use a clear and concise title: Use a clear and concise title for the blog post.
- Use a clear and concise author name: Use a clear and concise author name for the blog post.
- Use a clear and concise date of publication: Use a clear and concise date of publication for the blog post.
Conclusion
Citing a blog in MLA style requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of the citation guidelines. By following the MLA citation format and guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Remember to use a consistent citation style throughout the blog post, and to include the author’s name, title of the blog, date of publication, and URL (if applicable) in the Works Cited page.