Citation Guide (MLA 8th Edition) - ARCHIVE: More Help
Citation Generators
A Note of Caution
Always check over auto-generated citations! Sometimes they make odd mistakes or capitalize all of the words. For instance, this auto-generated citation has parsed the author's name incorrectly.
Auto-generated version:
Megan, Thee S. "Why I Speak Up for Black Women: [Op-Ed]." New York Times, Oct 14, 2020. ProQuest, https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/why-i-speak-up-black-women/docview/2450610941/se-2?accountid=25324.
Correct version:
Megan Thee Stallion. "Why I Speak Up for Black Women: [Op-Ed]." New York Times, Oct 14, 2020. ProQuest, https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/why-i-speak-up-black-women/docview/2450610941/se-2?accountid=25324.
Databases
Some of our databases -- such as EBSCOhost, ProQuest, JSTOR, and Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints -- provide pre-formatted citations! Look for a link or button called "Cite" or "Citation."
Example: ProQuest databases
Free Online Generators
Many of these services also offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- Citation Generator Free, no ads, no account needed
- Citationsy Free, no ads, must create an account; can also generate a works cited list
- CiteMakerFree, can upgrade to a paid subscription
- NoodleTools ExpressFree version of paid serice; no ads
- ZoteroBib (ZBIB)Citation generator and quick webtool for making bibliographies on the fly.
Free with Ads
- Citation MachineFree, many ads, may need to create an account. Owned by Chegg
- Cite This For MeFree, many ads, no account needed
- EasyBibFree, many ads. Owned by Chegg
MLA Paper Templates
- MLA Template (Google Docs)Make a copy and save into your own Docs.
- MLA Research Paper Template (Microsoft Word)Download the template
More Works Cited Help
More In-Text Citation Help
Additional Resources
- Purdue OWL: MLA Style GuideFrom the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL).
- MLA Style CenterQuick guides and FAQs about using MLA
- MLA 8th Edition - Faculty & Staff ResourcesGuide built by Indian River State College
- APA Style Guide: Bias-Free LanguageGeneral guidelines for writing about people without bias across a range of topics and specific guidelines that address the individual characteristics of age, disability, gender, participation in research, racial and ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality
Need Help?
In addition to this guide, the Library offers a variety of information literacy resources:
- Meet with a Librarian one-on-one for help with research, citations, annotations, and more.
- Visit the library and we can direct you to receive help, too.
- The Student Learning Center (SLC) provides drop-in tutoring and appointments. Be sure to check their current hours.
- Faculty may request a Librarian-led workshop on Annotations and/or Citations for their class by filling out this form.
See also:
Awesome Handout!
- The LAVC Library's Awesome MLA 8th edition HandoutA goldmine of citation guidance and examples, produced by the Library @ Los Angeles Valley College.
Otis College of Art and Design | 9045 Lincoln Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 | MyOtis
Millard Sheets Library | MyOtis | 310-665-6930 | Ask a Librarian