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MLA 8 Style Guide

Print vs. Electronic sources

How do I know if it's a print copy?

You should only cite something as a print source if you consulted the physical "hard copy" of the book or article. If you found something online -- even if it's a scanned image of the print version -- it should be cited as an electronic source.

How to Cite a Print Journal Article

References to print journal articles must contain the following elements if given:

Author, First, and Second Author. "Title of the Article in Quotes with All Important Words Capitalized." Name of Journal Italicized with All Important Words Capitalized, vol. no., issue no., Month or Season, Year, pages. NOTE: page numbers in the works-cited list are now preceded by p. or pp.

MLA style citation for print journal article

Note: Citations are single-spaced here, but be sure to double-space your Works Cited page.

How to Cite a Print Magazine Article

References to print magazine articles must include the following elements:

Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Periodical, Day Month Year, pages. NOTE: page numbers in the works-cited list are now preceded by p. or pp.

MLA style citation for print magazine article

Note: Citations are single-spaced here, but be sure to double-space your Works Cited page.

How to Cite a Print Newspaper Article

References to print newspaper articles must include the following elements:

Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Periodical, Day Month Year, pages. NOTE: page numbers in the works-cited list are now preceded by p. or pp.

Note that newspaper page numbers may look different from  magazine page numbers; they will typically include both a number and letter. If the newspaper has multiple editions in the same day, i.e., an early and a late edition, include that information directly after the date of publication.

MLA style citation for a print newspaper article

Note: Citations are single-spaced here, but be sure to double-space your Works Cited page.