How to Cite a Reference Entry in MLA 9th edition

An entry in a database, directory or catalogue, such as the World Heritage List.

Example in MLA 9th edition

“Great Barrier Reef.” World Heritage List, UNESCO World Heritage Centre, whc.unesco.org/en/list/154/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
In-text (“Great Barrier Reef”)

What MLA 9th edition includes

These are the details of the example above that the style prints, so they are the ones to collect for your own source.

  • Entry Title
  • Reference Work
  • Publisher
  • URL
  • Date Accessed

Use the record’s heading as the Entry Title and the database, directory or catalogue as the Reference Work. If the record has no date of its own, leave Date Published empty and fill in Date Accessed.

The formatting comes from the style's own file, so check the finer points against your guide. What to check by hand in MLA 9th edition.

A Reference Entry in other styles

APA 7th edition Chicago 18th edition (notes and bibliography) Harvard (Cite Them Right 12th edition) IEEE Vancouver

Other sources in MLA 9th edition

Website Book Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Software Dataset Patent Legal Case Legislation Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Manuscript Review Book Review Classic Work Dictionary Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Song Musical Score Graphic Figure Map Performance Event Pamphlet Preprint Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication Generative AI