Citing Sources Without Authors in MLA Format: A Comprehensive Guide

When you encounter sources without authors or page numbers during your academic research and writing, correctly citing them can be daunting. However, with a systematic approach based on the type of source, you can ensure that your citations follow the Modern Language Association (MLA) format accurately. This guide will walk you through the process and provide examples for various types of sources, ensuring that your works cited list is both comprehensive and accurate.

Why Citations Matter in MLA Format

Citations in any academic writing are essential for crediting the sources you draw upon, avoiding plagiarism, and enhancing the credibility of your work. In MLA format, proper citations are structured according to a set of rules that ensure consistency and clarity.

General Guidelines for Citing Sources Without Authors in MLA Format

When a source lacks an author, use the first key piece of information available, such as the title. Here are the steps and specific examples for different types of sources:

1. Citing Articles Without Authors

If you are citing an article without an author, start your citation with the title of the article. Here’s how to format it:

Italicize the title of a journal article if it is part of a periodical, such as a journal, magazine, or newspaper. If the source is an online article or webpage, include the title of the article and the title of the website. Follow with the URL or the name of the database if available. Also, include the date of publication and the access date if you accessed the article online.

Example:
"Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Urban Green Spaces." John Snow. Journal of Environmental Studies. 19(4): 34-45. _id. 15 Nov. 2023.

2. Citing Books Without Authors

For books without authors, use the title as the primary identifier:

Italicize the title of the book. Follow with the publisher and the year of publication. Do not include page numbers as they are not standard in book citations without authors.

Example:
Environmental Ethics and Policy. Jones, William. New York: Oxford University Press, 2022.

3. Citing Webpages Without Authors

In the case of webpages, provide the title of the webpage in quotation marks:

Italicize the title of the website if it is part of a larger project or organization. Provide the name of the organization or publisher if available. Include the date of publication or the last update if provided. Finally, include the URL.

Example:
"Editorial Guidelines for Research Publications." Journal of Research. Journal of Research, 15 Mar. 2023,

4. Citing Database Articles

For articles from databases:

Include the title of the article in quotation marks. Provide the title of the database. Include the URL if available.

Example:
"Case Studies in Environmental Sustainability." Database of Sustainability Practices. ProQuest, 15 Nov. 2023,

5. Citing Online Videos Without Authors

For online videos, include the title of the video:

Italicize the title of the online video or the website where it was found. Produce a citation for the platform where the video was found. Include the date the video was created if available.

Example:
"The Future of Renewable Energy." YouTube. YouTube, 15 Nov. 2023, _id.

6. Citing Films or Documentaries

For films or documentaries:

Provide the title of the film in italics. Include the name of the director. Specify the distributor and the year of release.

Example:
The Green Revolution. Director, James Smith. Distributor, Green Films Productions. 2023.

7. Citing Artworks Without Authors

In the case of artworks:

Provide the title of the artwork in italics. Include the artist's name. Specify the year of creation and the museum or collection if applicable.

Example:
The Earth's Embrace. Mosque, Eliza. 2024. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Conclusion

Properly citing sources in MLA format, even when there is no author or page numbers, is crucial for academic integrity and clarity. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are both accurate and consistent, enhancing the credibility of your work. Remember to alphabetize your works cited list according to the first word of each citation entry.

Keyphrases:
MLA format, citing sources, no author, no page numbers