The 9 Core Elements
In MLA Style, facts common to most types of sources are called core elements. The table below shows the nine core elements.
|
1 |
Author. |
|
2 |
Title of Source. |
|
3 |
Title of Container, |
|
4 |
Contributor, |
|
5 |
Version, |
|
6 |
Number, |
|
7 |
Publisher, |
|
8 |
Publication Date, |
|
9 |
Location. |
Supplemental Elements
In addition to the core elements, you may want or need to include other facts in a citation. For example, you may add the original publication date or a translator's or other contributor's name after the Title of Source element. You may need to add a date of access, the original publication facts, or other identifying information to the end of a citation.
Containers
A container is any larger work containing the source, such as books, websites, anthologies, journals, databases, and DVDs.
Containers can be nested. For a second container, add any relevant information for elements 3-9 and add it to your citation after the information for the first container.
Some works, such as novels, are self-contained. in these cases, use only the top portion of the template, but omit the Title of Container element.
