What do you cite if there is no author MLA?
When it comes to citing sources in MLA format, one of the most common questions that arise is what to do when there is no author listed for a source. This can be particularly challenging, as the absence of an author’s name can lead to confusion and errors in the citation. In this article, we will explore the different scenarios in which an author’s name is missing and provide guidance on how to properly cite these sources in MLA format.
In MLA style, the author’s name is typically placed before the title of the source in the citation. However, there are instances where the author’s name is not available, such as in cases of anonymous works or when the source is a work of collective authorship. In these situations, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure that the citation is accurate and complete.
One common scenario is when a source is anonymous. An anonymous work is one that is not attributed to a specific author. In MLA format, if a source is anonymous, you should include the word “Anonymous” in place of the author’s name. For example, if you are citing an anonymous poem, your citation would look like this:
Anonymous. “Title of the Poem.” Title of the Collection, edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Year of Publication.
Another situation that may arise is when a source is a work of collective authorship, such as a government document or a report from an organization. In this case, you should include the name of the organization or institution in place of the author’s name. For example:
United States. Department of Health and Human Services. “Title of the Report.” Publication Date.
If the source is a webpage with no author or organization listed, you can include the title of the webpage in place of the author’s name. The citation would then look like this:
“Title of the Webpage.” Website Name, Publication Date, URL.
It is important to note that when citing sources without an author, you should still include as much information as possible to provide context and allow readers to locate the source. This may include the title of the source, the publication date, the publisher, and the URL (if applicable).
In conclusion, when citing sources in MLA format and there is no author listed, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines to ensure that the citation is accurate and complete. By using the word “Anonymous” or the name of the organization/institution in place of the author’s name, and including other relevant information, you can create a citation that is both informative and compliant with MLA style.
