How to cite an online journal article in MLA

To cite an online journal article in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:

  1. Author(s) name: Give the last name and name as presented in the source (e. g. Watson, John). For two authors, reverse only the first name, followed by ‘and’ and the second name in normal order (e. g. Watson, John, and John Watson). For three or more authors, list the first name followed by et al. (e. g. Watson, John, et al.)
  2. Title of the article: Titles are italicized when independent. If part of a larger source add quotation marks and do not italize.
  3. Title of the journal: Container titles are italicized and followed by a comma.
  4. volume number: Give the volume number preceded by vol. (e. g. vol. 56).
  5. issue number: Give the number of the source preceded by no. (e. g. no. 7).
  6. Year of publication: Give the year of publication as presented in the source.
  7. doi: Include https:// with the digital object identifier (DOI).

Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of an online journal article in MLA style 9th edition:

Author(s) name . " Title of the article ." Title of the journal , vol. volume number , no. issue number , Year of publication , doi .

Take a look at our works cited examples that demonstrate the MLA style guidelines in action:

An online journal article with two authors and a DOI

Langner, Michael, and Ruedi Imbach . “ The University of Freiburg: A Model for a Bilingual University .” Higher Education in Europe , vol. 25 , no. 4 , 2000 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10814-017-9105-3 .

An online journal article with two authors and a DOI

Hofman, Courtney A., and Torben C. Rick . “ Ancient Biological Invasions and Island Ecosystems: Tracking Translocations of Wild Plants and Animals .” Journal of Archaeological Research , vol. 26 , no. 1 , 2018 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03797720120037796 .

This citation style guide is based on the MLA Handbook (9 th edition).

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