MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers - Softcover

Gibaldi, Joseph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0873525655 ISBN 13: 9780873525657

Publisher: Modern Language Assn of Amer, 1995

Synopsis

Deals with writing, documenting sources, preparing manuscripts, and constructing bibliographical entries

About this title

From Booklist:

This fourth edition of a publication based on the "MLA Style Sheet," begun more than 40 years ago, includes a great deal of information about using and citing electronic sources. Designed as a "comprehensive picture of how research papers are created," the handbook was last published in 1988. It will be used by researchers from high school and up. It is aimed at students; The MLA Style Manual (1985) is aimed at scholars. The handbook takes readers through the research paper process step by step, and includes information on narrowing the topic, outlining, note taking, etc. Before dealing with such mechanics of writing as spelling, punctuation, and format, the manual covers the use of catalogs (online and paper), indexes, and databases in the library and offers a list of some standard print and electronic reference works. The sections on documentation in text and citations seem to include every type of source and possible variable. The work concludes with abbreviations for terms used in research, reference sources by subject, and some examples of other styles of documentation. Examples within each section are printed in a font different from the explanatory text, a feature that allows the user to easily find the appropriate format. Chapters are divided by subtopics with numeric denotation; an index makes topics easy to find.

Public and academic libraries should update their style manuals with this edition because of the inclusion of electronic sources, portable and online. High schools that use the MLA style should also include it in their library collections.

From Library Journal:

Now a standard for students throughout the U.S., the original style sheet was published in 1951 and the first edition in book form appeared in 1977. This newest edition has been expanded to cover electronic searching methods, using computers to write research papers, and citing electronic publications. An excellent section on library use clearly explains paper and online catalogs. While there is no comparison of different word-processing programs, computers are touted as making the research writer's job much easier by combining steps and allowing movement between outlines and drafts. The new section on citing electronic formats is done well and with common sense; more than once, the reader is told that if complete information cannot be found, cite what is available. This new edition of a standard style handbook should be in every library.?Lisa J. Cochenet-Cihlar, Winfield P.L., Ill.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Modern Language Assn of Amer
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0873525655
• ISBN 13: 9780873525657
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 293