Prof. Reichman ENG 101 Fall 2022: Special Characteristics of MLA 8

Rather than give strict format rules for different types of sources, the 8th edition of the MLA Handbook identifies 9 "core elements" common to most sources and provides flexible guidelines on how to reference them in your Works Cited list.

(Commas separate details of the "container" or master work until all details are exhausted.)

First Container -- Title of larger or self-contained work

E.g.: Book, Journal, Newspaper, Magazine, Website

Second Container* -- Name of service or platform that serves up the work. *Use if applicable

E.g.: Database, Streaming Service, Social Media Platform, Website (sometimes); Book Collection or Series 
 

The idea is to avoid complexity and confusion, as well as ambiguity. If there is information you can add to help the reader, make that distiction. As noted in MLA 8: 

• There is "more than one way to cite a source" (4).
   
• Writers have permission to be selective in choosing what to include and what to eliminate considering the context of their work (4).
   
• Ultimately the goal is to build documentation that demonstrates thoroughness, gives credit, and provides the reader with enough information to find the source (4).