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Engineering: Citing Sources

This guide is designed to provide a basic overview of library services and resources useful for conducting engineering research.

Writing & Tutoring Center

The Writing Center in the Library Learning Resources (LLR) building provides guidance and tutoring for writing across the curriculum.

Appointments are required for tutoring (same day appointments are often possible). 

To make a 45 min appointment with a tutor, go to the Writing Center website and use the online scheduling system. Online Reservations are required.

General Formatting

Be sure to consult the MLA Handbook or the online MLA Style Center for more details and examples. 
Follow these guidelines in formatting your MLA paper:

  1.  Double-space the text of the paper.[1.2]
  2. "Always use an easy readable typeface (Times New Roman is one example) in which the regular type contrasts clearly with the italic, and set it to anywhere between 11 and 13 points, unless your instructor specifies a different font size. [1.2]
  3. "Leave one space after a period or other concluding punctuation mark, unless your instructor prefers two spaces.."[1.2]
  4. Set margins of the document to 1 inch on all sides.[1.1]
  5. Tab indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin.[1.1]
  6. Make a page header that numbers all pages in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin.[1.4]

Works Cited Page:

  1. Alphabetize by first word in entry (no numbers, bullets, etc.) [5.123]
  2. Double space (no extra spaces between entries)
  3. Reverse/hanging indent
  4. Citations with more than one line of text should be double-spaced and have a hanging indent of 1/2 inch or 5 spaces. For additional examples of citations in MLA style see: MLA Quick Guide.

In-Text Citations:
For guidelines and examples, check out the MLA Style Center In-Text Citations Overview.

Hanging Indent in Word:

  1. Highlight the citations with your cursor. 
  2. Right click
  3. Select paragraph.
  4. Under Indention, select Special and Hanging. 

Abbreviations for Months & Seasons:

  1. Months that are more than four letters are abbreviated in the Works Cited: Jan., Feb. Mar., Apr., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.
  2. May, June and July are not abbreviated.
  3. The first letter in season (spring, summer, fall, winter) is now lower case. 

Help with MLA Citations

Below are links to websites which offer advice on citations. You should always check your MLA Handbook.