The MLA Handbook, 9th Edition (published by the Modern Language Association in 2021) provides a flexible, container-based framework for citing sources across all disciplines. While retaining the core principles of the 8th edition, the 9th edition clarifies formatting for digital media, social content, and AI-assisted research, emphasizing consistency and traceability.
Key Updates in the 9th Edition
• Clarified container title formatting for websites, databases, and playlists
• Updated guidance for citing social media posts, podcasts, and digital artwork
• Explicit recommendations for acknowledging AI-generated content and prompts
• Refined punctuation rules for complex author lists and version numbers
The 8 Core Elements
Every Works Cited entry is built using the same modular structure. Only include elements that apply to your source, in this exact order:
1. Author
Last Name, First Name. (Omit if unknown)
2. Title of Source
Italicized for standalone works; quotation marks for articles/chapters
3. Title of Container
Italicized publication/platform that holds the source (e.g., journal, website)
4. Other Contributors
Translated by, Edited by, Directed by, etc.
5. Version
Edition, revision, or update (e.g., 3rd ed., rev.)
6. Number
Volume, issue, episode, or season numbers
7. Publisher
Company, organization, or institution responsible for distribution
8. Publication Date
Day Month Year format for digital; Month Year for print
Formatting Rules
Works Cited Page Setup
- Start on a new page titled Works Cited (centered, no bold/quotes)
- Use 1-inch margins, 12pt Times New Roman or Arial
- Double-space all entries with no extra spaces between them
- Apply a 0.5-inch hanging indent to each entry
- Alphabetize by the first author’s last name (or title if no author)
In-Text Citations
- Format:
(Author Last Name Page Number)— e.g.,(Martinez 42) - No page number for digital-only sources:
(Chen) - Multiple authors: List last names (Smith and Jones 112) or use "et al." for 3+ authors
- No author: Use shortened title in quotation marks or italics
Citation Examples (MLA 9th)
📖 Book (Print or PDF)
Adams, David. *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy*. Pan Books, 1997.
🌐 Journal Article (Database)
Thompson, Sarah J. “Digital Archiving in Post-Print Libraries.” *Journal of Information Science*, vol. 48, no. 3, 2022, pp. 112–129. JSTOR, doi:10.1177/016555152210894.
📱 Website / Webpage
"Climate Change: The Science." *National Geographic*, 15 Mar. 2023, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/climate-change.
🎥 YouTube Video
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell. “The Egg – A Short Story.” *YouTube*, uploaded by Kurzgesagt, 22 Oct. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=abZ9OYEuxnE.
🤖 AI-Generated Content
OpenAI. *ChatGPT (Jan 9, 2022 Version)*. OpenAI, accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
Prompt: "Summarize the key themes of MLA 9th citation guidelines."
📌 Pro Tips for Accuracy
• Always prioritize official DOIs over URLs when available.
• Omit "http://" or "https://" from URLs in your Works Cited.
• If a source has 3+ authors, list the first author followed by ", et al."
• Capitalize major words in titles (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) but lowercase articles, prepositions, and conjunctions unless they start the title.