Citing Multiple Authors in MLA Style
It is not uncommon for research essays and papers to utilize information and ideas from multiple sources. When this occurs, writers must properly cite each source within the text of their paper and provide full bibliographic information for every source cited. Citing multiple sources correctly in MLA style helps establish credibility and avoids plagiarism. This article will provide guidance on how to cite more than one author in the text of an MLA paper as well as how to format the Works Cited page when there are multiple citations.
In-Text Citations for Multiple Authors
When a paper references ideas or information from two or more sources, MLA style requires an in-text citation be provided immediately following the referenced material. According to the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 8th edition, if two authors have the same last name, both names should be included in the citation. Consider the following examples:
Adams and Smith argue that globalization is creating new economic opportunities (15).
As recent research has shown, advances in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions if adopted widely (Jones and Jones 456).
Not all experts agree on this point. While Franklin and Washington propose that universal basic income would help address economic inequality, Madison counters that such a program could increase dependency on government assistance (92).
If the work has three or more authors, only the first author’s last name and et al. should be used in the citation:
Studies on the long-term effects of childhood nutrition have found correlations between improved diets and higher average test scores (Smith et al. 27).
Formatting the Works Cited Page for Multiple Sources
MLA style has specific guidelines for formatting the Works Cited page when an essay cites multiple sources. Here are some key points:
Entries should be organized alphabetically by the first word in each citation (usually the author’s last name). If there is no author listed, alphabetize based on the source title.
Each entry is formatted with a hanging indent, meaning the first line of each citation is flush with the left margin and any additional lines are indented 0.5 inches.
For sources with the same single author, list entries chronologically by year of publication, with the oldest source appearing first.
For sources with the same author and publication date, add a lowercase letter after the year of publication to distinguish between multiple works:
Smith, John. 2020a. “Title of Article.” Journal Title, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 45-67.
Smith, John. 2020b. The Title of the Book. Publisher, 2020.
For sources with the same corporate author, alphabetize by the title of the work.
Consider the following example Works Cited entries for a paper that referenced information from multiple sources:
Works Cited
Adams, John, and Sarah Washington. “The Economic Impacts of a $15 Minimum Wage.” Public Policy Journal, vol. 45, no. 3, 2020, pp. 15-30.
Franklin, Benjamin, et al. Renewable Energy: Opportunities and Challenges. MIT Press, 2018.
Jones, Thomas, and Thomas Jones. “Comparative Analysis of Healthcare Systems in Canada and the United States.” Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 189, no. 7, 2019, pp. 456-459.
Madison, James. “Universal Basic Income: A Critique.” Cato Institute, 4 Mar. 2020, www.cato.org/publications/policy-analysis/universal-basic-income-critique. Accessed 5 Jan. 2021.
Smith, John. Economics of Globalization. Harvard University Press, 2018.
Smith, John. “Trade Policy in the Digital Age.” Foreign Affairs, vol. 97, no. 2, 2018a, pp. 27-35.
World Health Organization. Pandemic Prevention and Response. WHO, 2020.
Properly Citing Multiple Sources Prevents Plagiarism
Adhering to MLA guidelines for citing multiple sources within the text and Works Cited page is important for correctly attributing ideas and establishing credibility. Failing to acknowledge the origin of ideas and information, even if unintentionally, can constitute plagiarism—a serious academic offense. Taking care to cite all sources used, whether one source or many, protects against plagiarism accusations and demonstrates respect for intellectual property. As a student conducts research for an MLA paper using ideas from an array of experts and publications, proper citation is key. Following the guidelines outlined here will allow multiple sources to be accurately and seamlessly integrated into the paper while giving credit where credit is due. Mastering MLA style for citing multiple authors streamlines the research and writing process and bolsters the authority of the finished work.