Click on one of the following Core Elements
to navigate this libguide.
(The core elements are required for each citation)
1. Author.
2. Title of Source.
3. Title of Container.
4. Other Contributors,
5. Version,
6. Number,
7. Publisher,
8. Publication date,
9. Location.
* Optional Elements
** In-Text Citations
Note: The examples on the right demonstrate how to cite sources located in a container that is housed inside a larger container.
Have Questions about MLA?
You should always consult with your professor if you have specific MLA questions.
3a. Title of Container:
The eighth edition adds containers to MLA style, which is the larger collection that "contains" the original source. For example,
a book of poems is considered a container, but the original poem is the source. Container titles are italicized and followed by a
comma because the remaining information describes the container.
Collection of Short Stories: A container.
Television Series: A container.
3b. Container within a Container:
Occasionally, you'll find a container that is located inside a larger container. A collection of short stories on Google Books is
one example where the collection of stories (the container) is located within a larger container (Google Books).
Television Series on Netflix: A container within a container.
Article in a Database: A container within a container.