Normandale Community College Library - Citing Sources within Your Paper

Citing Sources within Your Paper

This guide is to help you cite sources within the text of your paper. You still need a properly formatted Works Cited page. It is the responsibility of the student to accurately and consistently follow a citation style. When in doubt, refer to the appropriate style manual, ask an instructor or librarian, or make an appointment at the Writing Center.

Refer to the MLA handbook for writers of research papers (Library copies LB2369 .G53 2003) for additional information on style and format.

MLA Style

Every time you cite a source, include 2 pieces of information:

the last names(s) of the author(s)

the page number where the information is located – unless the source is online or only 1 page long

Examples of in-text citations:

One author	Anita Rodriguez claims many young minorities, from all races and classes, have pursued the myth of the American Dream (28). The first time you cite an author in your paper, use their full name. The American Dream has proven elusive and difficult to achieve for many minorities (Rodriguez 45-46).
More than one author	Affirmative action is the primary way public educational institutions have admitted students of color in the past decade (Hanson, Milton, and Mort 227-28). Some researchers indicate a close link to skin color and average income (Frugen et al. 34-38). For a source with 4 authors or more, use the first author followed by “et al.”
No author	As shown in the Encyclopedia of Multicultural Education, family literacy classes are “a valuable acculturation tool” with the Hmong population in Washington (76). Use the title of the source if there is no author listed.
Multiple sources	The passionate arguments against California Proposition 227 include setting unrealistic expectations of teachers while giving limited English proficient (LEP) students fewer opportunities (Morrison 45; Eiden 99; Cayanan 12).
Interviews	Due to its proximity to the border of Mexico, Palomar College professor Dr. George Bartlett claims ethnic studies research is critical to the well-being of San Diego. For interviews, letters, or emails, give the full name of the person you communicated with. Then in your works cited list, specify the type of communication: Bartlett, George. “Ethnic Studies in San Diego.” E-mail to the author. 18 Feb. 2004.
Database and Internet sources	According to the US Census 2000, “more than half the total Arab American population” lives in just five states: California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York. If an online source has no text divisions or numbered sections, simply provide the author. Cruz and Ling note that housing costs continue to grow at an astronomical rate (introduction). If possible, cite according to section headings of online material (e.g. chapters, conclusion). A description of regional growth management strategy, which promotes smart growth policies that limit urban sprawl, is available at San Diego’s Regional Planning Agency website (SANDAG). To cite a website without an author, give the name of the organization or title of website.