How to Cite a Website with No Author in-text MLA
Citing a website with no author in MLA format can be a bit tricky, but it’s important to follow the guidelines correctly to ensure your in-text citation is accurate and complete. In MLA style, the in-text citation typically includes the author’s last name and the page number where the information was found. However, when there is no author listed, you need to use a different approach to properly credit the source. In this article, we will discuss how to cite a website with no author in-text using MLA format.
Understanding MLA In-text Citations
Before diving into the specifics of citing a website with no author, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of MLA in-text citations. In MLA style, in-text citations are used to acknowledge the source of the information you have used in your writing. They typically consist of the author’s last name and the page number, separated by a comma. For example: (Smith 23).
Formatting a Citation with No Author
When citing a website with no author in MLA format, you should still include the author’s last name, if available, followed by the page number. However, if the author’s name is not provided, you can use a shortened title of the website or a keyword from the title to identify the source. Here’s how to format the citation:
1. Start with the author’s last name, if available.
2. Follow with the shortened title or keyword from the title, enclosed in parentheses.
3. Add the page number, if available.
For example, if you found information on a website titled “Online Library Resources” and the author’s name is not provided, your in-text citation would look like this: (“Online Library Resources” 45).
Using a Shortened Title or Keyword
When using a shortened title or keyword from the title, it’s important to keep it as concise as possible while still being recognizable. You can do this by using the first few words of the title or a keyword that best represents the content of the website. For example, if the full title of the website is “The Ultimate Guide to Online Research,” you could use “Ultimate Guide to Online Research” as the shortened title.
Example of a Citation with No Author
Let’s say you found a helpful article on a website with no author, and the article is titled “Effective Study Techniques.” You can cite this source in-text using the following format:
(“Effective Study Techniques” 12)
Remembering the Page Number
Even when citing a website with no author, it’s crucial to include the page number, if available. This helps readers locate the specific information you used in your research. If the website does not have page numbers, you can use paragraph numbers or a section heading to indicate the location of the information.
Conclusion
Citing a website with no author in MLA format requires a slightly different approach than citing sources with an author. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure your in-text citation is accurate and complete. Remember to use a shortened title or keyword from the title to identify the source and include the page number, if available, to help readers locate the information.
