How to Cite Multiple Authors in MLA Works Cited
In the world of academic writing, citing sources is an essential part of the process. One common scenario that arises is when a source has multiple authors. In MLA (Modern Language Association) format, citing multiple authors in the Works Cited list requires a specific format to ensure consistency and accuracy. This article will guide you through the process of how to cite multiple authors in MLA Works Cited.
Formatting Multiple Authors in the Works Cited List
When citing a source with multiple authors in MLA format, the first step is to list all the authors’ last names, followed by their first initials. If there are three or more authors, list only the first author’s name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). Here’s an example:
Smith, J., & Doe, J. (2019). The Impact of Technology on Education. Journal of Educational Technology, 10(2), 45-58.
In this example, “Smith, J., & Doe, J.” are the authors, and “et al.” indicates that there are additional authors who are not listed.
Formatting In-text Citations
When citing a source with multiple authors in the text, the process is similar. List the authors’ last names, separated by commas, followed by the page number. If there are three or more authors, use “et al.” instead of listing all the authors’ names. Here’s an example:
Smith and Doe (2019) argue that technology has a significant impact on education (p. 45).
In this example, “Smith and Doe” are the authors, and “et al.” would be used if there were more than two authors.
Formatting Works Cited Entries for Sources with Multiple Authors
When creating a Works Cited entry for a source with multiple authors, follow the same format as when citing the source in the text. Here’s an example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “The Impact of Technology on Education.” Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 10, no. 2, 2019, pp. 45-58.
In this example, “Smith, John, and Jane Doe” are the authors, and the rest of the entry includes the title of the article, the journal’s title, the volume and issue number, the year of publication, and the page numbers.
Conclusion
Citing multiple authors in MLA format can sometimes be confusing, but by following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your Works Cited list is accurate and consistent. Remember to list all authors’ last names, use “et al.” when there are three or more authors, and follow the appropriate formatting for in-text citations and Works Cited entries. With practice, citing multiple authors in MLA format will become second nature, allowing you to focus on the content of your academic writing.
