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MLA - Modern Language Association


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Online Communication Sources

Online communications are as citable as any other documented source. Here's how you format three of the most common.

Select an example to view from the following menu:



1. E-Mail Communications

Format:
Last Name of Author, First Name of Author. "Title of E-Mail Message from subject line, if any is given." Description of the Message, including the name of the recipient. Day Month Year of Publication.

Example:

Wirth, Eric. E-mail to the author. 12 Mar. 1998.

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  • 2. Online Postings

    Note: Whenever possible, cite an archival posting to allow readers easy access.

    Format:
    Last Name of Author, First Name of Author. "Title of Document." Online posting. Day Month (abbreviated version) Year of Posting. Name of Forum or Discussion List [if available]. Day Month (abbreviated version) Year of Access <URL (Electronic Address)>.

    Example:

    Cowan, Cheryl. "Eating Disorders." Online posting. 23 Feb. 1998. 16 Mar. 1998 <news:alt.arts.ballet>.

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  • 3. Synchronous Communications (MOOs and MUDs)

    Format:
    Last Name of Author, First Name of Author. Description of the Communication. Day Month (abbreviated version) Year of Posting. Name of the Forum. Day Month (abbreviated version) Year of Access <URL (Electronic Address)>.

    Example:

    Grigar, Dene. Online defense of dissertation "Penelopeia: The Making of Penelope in Homer's Story and Beyond." 25 July 1995. LinguaMOO. 1 May 1997 <http://wwwpub.utdallas.edu/~cynthiah/lingua_archive /phd-defense.txt>.

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