FAQ: How do I cite a resource with no author in MLA Style?

Generally speaking, if you cannot identify the author of a source, you move the title to the author position in the works cited and use a shortened version of the title for the in-text citation. Here are examples of how it works in MLA citation style:

Works Cited Entry

If there isn't an author, even an organizational/corporate entity, begin the citation with the title of the source. If there isn't a date, you just omit that information entirely.

General Format

Title. Publisher.

"Article Title." Journal Title, vol. #, no. #. pp. #-#. DOI.

For additional examples and tips on citing sources with no author in MLA Style, check out the Purdue OWL (Works Cited This link opens in a new window, Parenthetical Reference This link opens in a new window).

If the author or editor is unknown, the note or bibliography entry should normally begin with the title. An initial article is ignored in alphabetizing. When the publication date of a printed work cannot be ascertained, the abbreviation n.d. takes the place of the year in the publication details. A guessed-at date may either be substituted (in brackets) or added. The rest of the citation will follow the format of the source (book, journal, website, other medium).

Bibliography Entry

General Format

Title. Location: Publisher, n.d.

"Title." Source vol#, issue no. (n.d.): page(s).

Note Entry

General Format

2. Title (Location: Publisher, n.d.), page(s).

3. "Title," Source vol#, issue no. (n.d.): page(s).

Works Cited Entry Examples

Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. Circa 1400-10, British Library, London, Harley MS 7334.

Dickinson, Emily. "Distance - is not the Realm of Fox." 1870?, Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City. Manuscript.

More Information

• Citing Your Sources Guide (Shapiro Library)  

Disclaimer

This information is intended to be a guideline, not expert advice. Please be sure to speak to your professor about the appropriate way to cite sources in your class assignments and projects.

References

The Modern Language Association of America. (2016). MLA Handbook. Modern Language Association of America.