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MLA (9th ed.) Citation Style: Publication Date

Publication Date

Overview
  • This element ends in a comma if the citation continues with more information.  If it is the end of the citation, it ends with a period.

  • Write the full date as you find it on the source.  Use the format of Day Month Year to minimize the use of commas.

  • The names of months that are longer than four letters are abbreviated in the works cited list. 

    • Jan.     Feb.     Mar.     Apr.     Aug.     Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec. 

  • "Works my be associated with more than one publication date. You should record the publication date provided by the version of the source you consult" (MLA Handbook, 9th ed., p.174).

  • If the source you are citing does not have a publication date, omit that part of the citation. Do not write "No date" or "N.d.".

  • For more information, refer to pages 173-187 of the MLA Handbook, 9th ed.