How to Cite a Government Website MLA Without Author
Citing a government website in MLA format without an author can be a bit tricky, but it’s certainly doable. Government websites often provide valuable information that can be used in academic research, and it’s important to give proper credit to the source. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing a government website in MLA format without an author.
Understanding MLA Format
Before we dive into the specifics of citing a government website without an author, it’s essential to understand the basic structure of MLA format. MLA (Modern Language Association) is a widely used citation style in the humanities and other disciplines. The general format for citing a website in MLA includes the following elements:
1. Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Web Page.” Title of the Website, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL. Date of Access.
When citing a government website without an author, you will omit the author’s name and focus on the other elements.
Citing a Government Website Without an Author
To cite a government website in MLA format without an author, follow these steps:
1. Start with the title of the web page: Place the title of the web page in quotation marks.
2. Include the title of the website: Write the title of the website in italics.
3. Mention the publisher: For government websites, the publisher is typically the government entity or agency responsible for the website.
4. Provide the date of publication: If the date of publication is available, include it. If not, you can use the date of access instead.
5. Add the URL: Include the full URL of the website.
6. Mention the date of access: Write the date you accessed the website.
Here’s an example of how to cite a government website in MLA format without an author:
“Title of the Web Page.” Title of the Website, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL. Date of Access.
For instance:
“Government Spending Statistics.” U.S. Government Publishing Office, U.S. Government, 2021, www.gpo.gov. 10 Dec. 2021.
Remember to replace the placeholders with the actual information from the website you are citing.
Formatting Tips
When formatting your citation, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Use quotation marks for the title of the web page.
2. Write the title of the website in italics.
3. Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title of the website.
4. Use a comma to separate the publisher and the date of publication.
5. Use a period to end the citation.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully cite a government website in MLA format without an author. Proper citation not only gives credit to the source but also helps your readers locate the information you’ve used in your research.
