Works Cited Page Guide: Citing Multiple Authors in MLA Format

📚 What is a Works Cited Page?

A Works Cited page is an alphabetized list of all the sources you've directly referenced in your academic paper. It appears at the end of your paper and gives credit to the original authors, preventing plagiarism and allowing readers to find the sources you used.

📜 A Brief History of the Works Cited Page

The concept of citing sources has evolved over centuries. Early forms of citation were less standardized, but as academic writing became more formalized, the need for consistent citation methods grew. The Modern Language Association (MLA) developed its style guide to provide a uniform approach, making it easier for researchers to navigate and verify sources.

🔑 Key Principles for Citing Multiple Authors in MLA

• ✍️ Alphabetical Order: Always list entries alphabetically by the first author's last name.
• 🤝 Two Authors: List both authors in the order they appear on the source, separated by "and." Example: Smith, John, and Jane Doe.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Three or More Authors: List only the first author followed by "et al." (Latin for "and others"). Example: Smith, John, et al.
• ℹ️ Consistency: Maintain a consistent format throughout your Works Cited page.
• 🏛️ Publisher Information: Include the publisher's name and publication year.
• 🌐 URLs and DOIs: Provide stable URLs or Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) when available.
• 📅 Access Dates: Include the date you accessed online material, especially for content that may change over time.

📝 Real-World Examples

Here are some examples of how to cite sources with multiple authors in MLA format:

1. Two Authors:

   Smith, John, and Jane Doe. The Impact of Climate Change. New York, Publisher, 2023.
2. Three or More Authors:

   Garcia, Maria, et al. Advances in Medical Technology. London, Publisher, 2024.

💡 Additional Tips

• 📚 Use Citation Management Tools: Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can help you organize your sources and generate citations automatically.
• 🧐 Double-Check Everything: Always proofread your Works Cited page for errors in formatting and accuracy.
• ❓ Consult the MLA Handbook: For complex or unusual citation scenarios, refer to the official MLA Handbook for guidance.

✅ Conclusion

Mastering the art of citing multiple authors in MLA format is essential for academic integrity and credibility. By following these guidelines and examples, you can create a polished and accurate Works Cited page that showcases your research efforts.