What happens if there is no author for MLA citation?
In the world of academic writing, the MLA (Modern Language Association) citation style is widely used to give proper credit to the authors of the sources used in a paper. However, there may be situations where an author is not available for citation. This can occur due to various reasons, such as anonymous sources, collective works, or sources with multiple authors. In such cases, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accurate citation.
Anonymous Sources
When dealing with anonymous sources, it is crucial to mention the title of the source in the in-text citation. For example, if you are citing an anonymous article from a journal, you would write (Article Title, n.d.). In the Works Cited list, the source would be listed with the title first, followed by the publication information.
Collective Works
If the source is a collective work, such as a book edited by multiple authors, you should include the name of the editor or the compiler in the in-text citation. For instance, (Edited by John Doe, 2020). In the Works Cited list, the source would be listed with the editor’s name first, followed by the title of the book.
Multiple Authors
When a source has multiple authors, the MLA citation style requires you to include the names of all authors in the in-text citation. For example, (Smith, Johnson, and Williams, 2019). In the Works Cited list, the source would be listed with all authors’ names, followed by the title of the source.
Missing Author
In cases where the author is missing, you can use a shortened title of the source in the in-text citation. For example, (Title, n.d.). In the Works Cited list, the source would be listed with the title first, followed by the publication information.
Using a shortened title
If you need to use a shortened title for a source with no author, you can do so by following these steps:
1. Choose a significant word or phrase from the title that is descriptive and easy to identify.
2. Write the shortened title in italics in the in-text citation.
3. In the Works Cited list, include the full title of the source in quotation marks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when there is no author for MLA citation, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accurate citation. Whether it is an anonymous source, a collective work, or a source with multiple authors, using the appropriate format will help maintain the integrity of your academic work. Always refer to the MLA Handbook for more detailed information on citation rules and guidelines.
