MLA guidelines, works cited list

Begin the list of works cited on a new page at the end of the paper. Center the title Works Cited about one inch from the top of the page. Double-space throughout.

For details about the exact format for specific kinds of sources in your list, consult the Directory to MLA works cited models.

Alphabetizing the works cited list

Alphabetize the list by the last names of the authors (or editors); if a work has no author or editor, alphabetize by the first word of the title other than A, An, or The.

If your list includes two or more works by the same author, use the author’s name only for the first entry. For subsequent entries by the same author(s), use three hyphens followed by a period. List the titles in alphabetical order.

General guidelines for listing authors

Indenting entries

Do not indent the first line of each works cited entry, but indent any additional lines one-half inch. This technique, called a hanging indent, highlights the names of the authors, making it easy for readers to scan the alphabetized list.

Dividing Web addresses in the works cited list

Do not insert a hyphen when dividing a Web address (URL) at the end of a line. Break the URL only after a slash. Insert angle brackets around the URL.

If your word processing program automatically turns Web addresses into hot links (by underlining them and highlighting them in color), turn off this feature.

Sample MLA works cited list

angle brackets A pair of punctuation marks used in some documentation styles to set off a Web address (URL).