MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Sixth Edition

ANNOTATION

"The new edition presents a comprehensive guide to preparing research papers and includes detailed coverage using computers for research and citing electronic publications."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The MLA Handbook is published by the Modern Language Association, the authority on MLA documentation style. Widely adopted in high schools, colleges, and publishing houses, the MLA Handbook treats every aspect of research writing, from selecting a topic to submitting the completed paper. The expanded, revised, and redesigned sixth edition of the Handbook is a complete, up-to-date guide to documentation style and online research.

SYNOPSIS

This is the new edition of the Modern Language Association's handbook, the origin of which goes back to the "style sheet" first published in 1951; Books for College Libraries, 3d ed. cites a previous edition. Writing style, abbreviations, proper citations, and formatting are covered, along with new material on citing electronic information. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Gibaldi has been affiliated with the Modern Language Association's (MLA) Book Publishing and Research Program since 1976 and has been involved with every edition of the MLA Handbook. This classic tool for humanities scholars is a collaborative effort by MLA staff members and scholars, especially the Committee on Computers and Emerging Technologies in Teaching and Research. Core guidelines for formal research and writing are retained from earlier editions, but new rules have been developed for citing electronic material. Some sections have been expanded, and new summaries provide quick reference for key ideas, from selecting a topic to writing drafts. At the request of MLA members, an entire chapter addresses fundamental issues of academic honesty for a generation that has come of age amid Napster lawsuits and professional journalistic scandals. Plagiarism is defined in detail, along with examples of instances when source documentation is not needed and examples of copyright infringement. There is a new section on full-text databases and a revised section on evaluation of Internet resources for quality information. The "Citing Electronic Publications" section is more user-friendly and is now enhanced with annotated illustrations. Needed updates will be online at www.mla.org, but there is a growing demand for the entire content of this handbook to be available online as an electronic book. Essential for every high school and post-secondary library.-Betty J. Glass, Univ. of Nevada, Reno Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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.

Booknews

The authoritative guide to research and scholarly writing at the high school and undergraduate levels. Updates the 1995 edition with new resources throughout, as well as a toolbox for online research and expanded MLA formats for documenting online sources. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Newsweek Magazine

The style Bible for most college students.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"The style bible for most college students."

-- Newsweek  — Newsweek