1. When referring to an author directly in the text, rather than in a parenthetical reference, use their first and last name the first time they are mentioned, and last name only for subsequent mentions. for example:
According to Gail Caruth, the extent to which students feel involved with their learning and academic environment is known as engagement (17). Caruth also argues that this definition of engagement has softened over time (17).
2. If you are referencing a source with three or more authors directly in the text, rather than in a parenthetical reference, you may choose to list all of the names, or provide the name of the first author followed by "and others" or "and colleagues".
Example 1: In a recent study, Stanley Whipps and others found that "Participants who more frequently reported playing games, using social media, or texting after bed were more likely to report sleep interruptions by their devices" (53). Whipps and colleagues go on to argue that avoiding the use of electronic devices half an hour before bed could lead to healthier sleep habits (54).
Example 2: In a recent study Stanley Whipps, Martin Smith, and Margaret Chan found that "Participants who more frequently reported playing games, using social media, or texting after bed were more likely to report sleep interruptions by their devices" (53). Whipps and colleagues go on to argue that avoiding the use of electronic devices half an hour before bed could lead to healthier sleep habits (54).
3. If two authors share the same last name, refer to them both by their full name each time they are mentioned in text. When citing them in parentheses, include their firsts initial (see Multiple Sources with the Same Author Name).
4. the MLA 9th edition now includes guidelines for shortening Group, Organization, or Corporate Names for in-text citation (see Number and Type of Author(s).
1. When you are citing a source with two or more authors, include a comma after the first author's name. For example:
Gallant, Lynette, and Geoff Marr.
2. An access date for an online work should only be provided if the work lacks a publication date, or if you suspect that the work has been altered or removed.
3. When citing posts made on Twitter, use the author's Account Name in the author field, and include the author's online handle in square brackets only if it is different than the account name, or if a direct link to the tweet is not provided.
The MLA 9th edition includes new guidelines for formatting a title page for a group project
1. The 9th edition includes advice on shortening long urls (see Tips for Online Sources).
2. The 9the edition now recommends including the full DOI weblink and not just the DOI number. If a weblink is not provided then add https://doi.org/ to the DOI number to convert it to a link (see Introduction to DOI).