For your assignment on a Canadian author you must find sources to create a works cited list that includes
Your works cited should have a total of ten (10) entries. See your assignment handout for full details.
Primary sources in literature
The example below is a primary source is a book of short stories written by Mavis Gallant. Note that the creator or author of the work is Gallant herself.
Reference sources
The example below is an encyclopedia entry for Canadian author Mavis Gallant.
Scholarly secondary sources
Below are two examples of secondary sources, an article and a book. Note that in both examples, Mavis Gallant's name appears in the title, and that someone else is the author of the source.
For most academic assignments, including this one, you are expected to use scholarly secondary sources.
|
Academic (scholarly, or peer-reviewed) sources | Popular/Trade source |
Author | An academic expert in the field, usually with an advanced degree | Journalist or professional writer |
Review Process |
Peer reviewed by other academic experts in the field, who look carefully at research methods and sources cited | Reviewed by an editor for spelling and grammar |
Audience/ |
Written for scholars and students; uses academic language | Written for the general public; uses everyday language |
Content | Original research and criticism; uses previously academic literature for background | News and practical information; uses a variety of sources for background |
Citations | Always provided, usually an extensive list | Rarely provided |
This video provides a quick introduction to LibrarySearch. Use the popout button to view a larger version.
For this assignment you are expected to find several primary works from MRU's library collection. These could be print or electronic resources.
You can use LibrarySearch to find these works. Start your search with keywords, such as your author's name, or the title of one of their novels/stories/plays. Then use the filters on the right to
For this assignment, you are expected to use specialized academic encyclopedias in MRU's library collection. Your best option is to use one of the recommended reference sources listed below. When searching:
Alternative option: Use LibrarySearch to search for your author or a specific work by your author, then use the search limits on the right side to limit by Resource Type = Reference Entries.
For this assignment you are expected to use academic journal articles from MRU's electronic subscriptions.
You can also use LibrarySearch tips to find the scholarly journal articles needed for your assignment.
Start your search with keywords; again, your author's name is a good place to begin, but you can also use the title of one of their novels/stories/plays. Then use the filters on the left to
This image highlights the common layout of publication information for a print book, as it is displayed in MRU's LibrarySearch results. For a book in your hand, this information will usually be located on the back of the title page, or on a separate page near the front of the book.
Note that print books like the example below are standalone items and have no container for MLA citations, for ebooks MLA requires the title of the ebook platform or database as a second container.
The example below highlights the common layout of publication information for an encyclopedia entry. Note that different encyclopedias display this information in different places, and also that often much more information is provided than is required for citation.
The example below highlights the common layout of publication information for a journal article. Note that different journals and databases may display this information in different places.
Writing and citation help is available from Student Learning Services. Here are some resources you might find useful.
This video provides a short introduction to the basics of MLA citation (8th edition).
This video provides an detailed explanation of the MLA works cited list (8th edition).