In the digital age, eBooks have become an essential part of academic research and writing. With the rise of online publishing, it’s not uncommon for students and scholars to rely on eBooks as primary sources for their research papers. However, citing eBooks in MLA style can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are new to academic writing. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite eBooks in MLA style, including examples and explanations.
Understanding MLA Citation Style
Before we dive into the specifics of citing eBooks, it’s essential to understand the basics of MLA citation style. The Modern Language Association (MLA) is a widely used citation style in the humanities, literature, and arts. MLA style emphasizes the use of parenthetical citations and a Works Cited page to credit sources.
In MLA style, citations typically include the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses at the end of the sentence or quotation. For example:
(The author’s last name page number)
If the source has no author, the title is used in the parenthetical citation. If the source has no page numbers, the parenthetical citation will only include the author’s last name.
EBook Citation Basics
When citing eBooks in MLA style, you’ll need to include the following elements:
- Author’s last name and first name
- Title of the eBook (in title case)
- Title of the container (e.g., eBook platform or database)
- Version or edition number (if applicable)
- Publisher
- Publication date
- Page numbers (if applicable)
- DOI or URL (if applicable)
eBook Citation Examples
Here are some examples of eBook citations in MLA style:
-
eBook with author:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of eBook. Publisher, Year of Publication. eBook Platform or Database.
Example: Smith, John. The History of Literature. Random House, 2010. eBook Collection. -
eBook without author:
Title of eBook. Publisher, Year of Publication. eBook Platform or Database.
Example: The Oxford Handbook of Literary Theory. Oxford University Press, 2018. eBook Collection. -
eBook with DOI:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of eBook. Publisher, Year of Publication. DOI.
Example: Johnson, Mary. The Impact of Climate Change. Routledge, 2020. doi: 10.4324/9780429352345. -
eBook with URL:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of eBook. Publisher, Year of Publication. URL.
Example: Williams, David. The Future of Technology. Springer, 2019. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-12345-6.
Citing EBooks From Online Databases
Many eBooks are available through online databases such as JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest. When citing eBooks from online databases, you’ll need to include the database name and URL in the citation.
Database Citation Examples
Here are some examples of eBook citations from online databases:
-
eBook from JSTOR:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of eBook. Publisher, Year of Publication. JSTOR, URL.
Example: Smith, John. The History of Literature. Random House, 2010. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/123456789. -
eBook from EBSCO:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of eBook. Publisher, Year of Publication. EBSCOhost, URL.
Example: Johnson, Mary. The Impact of Climate Change. Routledge, 2020. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xna&AN=123456789.
Database Citation Tips
When citing eBooks from online databases, make sure to include the following:
- Database name (e.g., JSTOR, EBSCOhost)
- URL or DOI (if applicable)
- Date of access (if no publication date is available)
Citing EBooks With Multiple Authors
When citing eBooks with multiple authors, you’ll need to include all authors’ names in the citation.
Multiple Author Citation Examples
Here are some examples of eBook citations with multiple authors:
-
eBook with two authors:
Lastname, Firstname, and Firstname Lastname. Title of eBook. Publisher, Year of Publication. eBook Platform or Database.
Example: Smith, John, and Jane Doe. The History of Literature. Random House, 2010. eBook Collection. -
eBook with three or more authors:
Lastname, Firstname, et al. Title of eBook. Publisher, Year of Publication. eBook Platform or Database.
Example: Johnson, Mary, et al. The Impact of Climate Change. Routledge, 2020. eBook Collection.
Multiple Author Citation Tips
When citing eBooks with multiple authors, make sure to include the following:
- All authors’ names (up to three authors)
- “et al.” for four or more authors
- Title of the eBook (in title case)
- Publisher
- Year of publication
- eBook platform or database
Citing EBooks With No Author
When citing eBooks with no author, you’ll need to use the title of the eBook in the citation.
No Author Citation Examples
Here are some examples of eBook citations with no author:
- eBook with no author:
Title of eBook. Publisher, Year of Publication. eBook Platform or Database.
Example: The Oxford Handbook of Literary Theory. Oxford University Press, 2018. eBook Collection.
No Author Citation Tips
When citing eBooks with no author, make sure to include the following:
- Title of the eBook (in title case)
- Publisher
- Year of publication
- eBook platform or database
Conclusion
Citing eBooks in MLA style can be a bit challenging, but with the right guidance, you can master the basics. Remember to include the author’s last name and first name, title of the eBook, title of the container, version or edition number, publisher, publication date, page numbers, and DOI or URL in your citation. When citing eBooks from online databases, make sure to include the database name and URL. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to properly cite eBooks in MLA style and avoid plagiarism in your academic writing.
| Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Author’s last name and first name | Smith, John |
| Title of the eBook | The History of Literature |
| Title of the container | eBook Collection |
| Version or edition number | 2nd ed. |
| Publisher | Random House |
| Publication date | 2010 |
| Page numbers | 23-45 |
| DOI or URL | doi: 10.4324/9780429352345 |
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll be able to properly cite eBooks in MLA style and avoid plagiarism in your academic writing. Remember to always check the MLA Handbook or online resources for the most up-to-date citation guidelines.
What Is The General Format For Citing EBooks In MLA Style?
The general format for citing eBooks in MLA style includes the author’s last name, first name, title of the eBook in title case, title of the container (if applicable), version (if applicable), publisher, publication date, and location (if applicable). For eBooks without a DOI (digital object identifier), the format may vary depending on the type of eBook and the device or platform used to access it.
When citing eBooks in MLA style, it’s essential to consider the type of eBook and the device or platform used to access it. For example, if the eBook is accessed through an e-reader or a reading app, the citation may include the name of the device or platform. On the other hand, if the eBook is accessed through a website or online database, the citation may include the URL or DOI.
How Do I Cite An EBook With A DOI In MLA Style?
To cite an eBook with a DOI in MLA style, include the author’s last name, first name, title of the eBook in title case, title of the container (if applicable), version (if applicable), publisher, publication date, DOI, and the date of access (if applicable). The DOI should be included at the end of the citation, preceded by the label “doi:”.
For example, a citation for an eBook with a DOI might look like this: Lastname, Firstname. Title of eBook. Publisher, Publication Date. doi:xxxxxxx. Date of Access. When citing an eBook with a DOI, make sure to include the DOI in the citation, as it provides a permanent link to the eBook.
How Do I Cite An EBook Without A DOI In MLA Style?
To cite an eBook without a DOI in MLA style, include the author’s last name, first name, title of the eBook in title case, title of the container (if applicable), version (if applicable), publisher, publication date, and location (if applicable). If the eBook is accessed through a website or online database, the citation may include the URL.
For example, a citation for an eBook without a DOI might look like this: Lastname, Firstname. Title of eBook. Publisher, Publication Date. URL. Date of Access. When citing an eBook without a DOI, make sure to include the URL or other location information, as it provides access to the eBook.
How Do I Cite An EBook Chapter In MLA Style?
To cite an eBook chapter in MLA style, include the author’s last name, first name, title of the chapter in title case, title of the eBook in title case, title of the container (if applicable), version (if applicable), publisher, publication date, chapter page numbers, and location (if applicable). The citation should also include the author’s name, if different from the eBook author.
For example, a citation for an eBook chapter might look like this: Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Chapter.” Title of eBook, edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Publication Date, pp. Page Numbers. URL. Date of Access. When citing an eBook chapter, make sure to include the chapter title and page numbers, as well as the eBook title and author.
Can I Cite An EBook In MLA Style If It Doesn’t Have Page Numbers?
Yes, you can cite an eBook in MLA style even if it doesn’t have page numbers. In this case, you can omit the page numbers from the citation. However, if the eBook has chapter or section numbers, you can include those in the citation instead.
For example, a citation for an eBook without page numbers might look like this: Lastname, Firstname. Title of eBook. Publisher, Publication Date. Chapter or Section Number. URL. Date of Access. When citing an eBook without page numbers, make sure to include any available chapter or section numbers, as well as the eBook title and author.
How Do I Cite An EBook With Multiple Authors In MLA Style?
To cite an eBook with multiple authors in MLA style, include the authors’ last names, first names, separated by commas. If there are more than two authors, you can use the phrase “et al.” after the first author’s name. The citation should also include the title of the eBook in title case, title of the container (if applicable), version (if applicable), publisher, publication date, and location (if applicable).
For example, a citation for an eBook with multiple authors might look like this: Lastname, Firstname, et al. Title of eBook. Publisher, Publication Date. URL. Date of Access. When citing an eBook with multiple authors, make sure to include all authors’ names, or use the phrase “et al.” if there are more than two authors.
How Do I Cite An EBook With No Author In MLA Style?
To cite an eBook with no author in MLA style, start the citation with the title of the eBook in title case. The citation should also include the title of the container (if applicable), version (if applicable), publisher, publication date, and location (if applicable). If the eBook has an editor, you can include the editor’s name in the citation.
For example, a citation for an eBook with no author might look like this: Title of eBook. Edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Publication Date. URL. Date of Access. When citing an eBook with no author, make sure to include the title of the eBook and any available editor or publication information.