How to Do MLA Citation Without Author
When citing sources in MLA format, it is common to include the author’s name as part of the citation. However, there are instances where an author’s name is not available. In such cases, it is still essential to provide a proper citation to give credit to the source. This article will guide you on how to do MLA citation without an author.
First and foremost, it is important to note that the absence of an author’s name does not change the structure of the MLA citation. The basic format for in-text citations remains the same, with a few modifications. Here’s how you can create an MLA citation without an author:
1. Start with the title of the source: In the absence of an author, the title of the source becomes the first element in the citation. Place the title in quotation marks and capitalize the first word and any subsequent words that follow a colon or a dash.
Example: “Title of the Source”
2. Include the publication date: If the publication date is available, include it in parentheses after the title. Use the year of publication.
Example: “Title of the Source (2020)”
3. Add the medium of publication: If the source is an online article, include the medium of publication, such as “Web.” If the source is a print publication, you can omit this element.
Example: “Title of the Source (2020) Web.”
4. Provide the URL or page range: For online sources, include the URL or a page range, depending on the source. If the source is a single web page, use the URL. If it is an article from a website, include the page range.
Example: “Title of the Source (2020) Web. www.example.com”
Remember, the MLA format requires you to use a hanging indent for your citations. To create a hanging indent, align the first line of the citation flush with the left margin and indent all subsequent lines one half-inch from the margin.
When creating a works cited list, the format is similar to that of in-text citations. However, you will need to include the author’s name in the first line of the entry, even if it was not available in the in-text citation.
Example:
Smith, John. “Title of the Source.” 2020. Web. www.example.com.
By following these guidelines, you can create MLA citations without an author while maintaining the integrity of your research and giving proper credit to the source. Remember, the key is to provide as much information as possible to identify the source accurately.
