How to Cite an Encyclopedia in MLA
Encyclopedia – A book or a series of books used for reference on a range of materials or numerous information typically around one subject.
Citing an Encyclopedia in Print
| Works Cited | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Last, First M. (if available*) “Article Title.” Encyclopedia Name, edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name (if available), edition (if not first edition), volume number, Publisher Name, year published, page number(s). |
| Example |
McGhee, Karen, and George McKay. “Old World Monkeys.” Encyclopedia of Animals, National Geographic, 2007, p. 30. |
*Note: If the author of an article is not listed or known, start your citation with the article title instead. The article title (or a shortened version) would also be used in in-text citations in place of the author’s last name.
| In-text Citation | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
(Last Name page number) |
| Example |
(McGhee and McKay 30) |
Citing an Encyclopedia Found Online
| Works Cited | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Last, First M. (if available) “Article Title.” Encyclopedia Name, Publisher (if different from encyclopedia name), date published or updated, URL. |
| Example |
McGhee, Karen, and George McKay. “Old World Monkeys.” Encyclopedia of Animals, National Geographic, 2007, books.google.vu/books?id=xJYMuAEACAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false. |
| In-text Citation | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
(Last Name) |
| Example |
(McGhee and McKay) |
Citing an Encyclopedia Article Found in a Database
| Works Cited | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Last, First M. (if available) “Article Title.” Encyclopedia Name, edited by First M. Last (if available), edition (if not first edition), volume number, Publisher, year published, page number(s). Database Name, URL. |
| Example |
Holmes, Heather. “Advertising of Food.” Encyclopedia of Food and Culture, edited by Soloman H. Katz, vol. 1, Scribner Publishing, 2003, pp. 16-20. Gale Virtual Reference Library, link-gale-com.i.ezproxy.nypl.org/apps/?userGroupName=nypl. |
Note: If no edition or volume number is given, leave it out.
| In-text Citation | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
(Last Name) |
| Example |
(Holmes) |