Prof. Gaffney ENG 102: 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 
 

Other changes include:

• No cities of publication for books.
• No medium (print, web, etc.).
• The use of abbreviations such as vol. for volume, no. for number, and p. or pp. for page number(s).
• In most cases no date of access for electronic resources.
• Permanent URLs.

Link to the library's MLA 8 Guide on citation