MLA 8th vs 9th edition
In 2021, the 9th edition of the MLA Handbook was released with updated guidelines to referencing MLA.
As with the 8th edition, referencing is based on principles rather than rigid rules. No significant changes to this system have been made and updates to the 9th edition largely involve further clarification and guidance about referencing elements and providing a greater range of examples
Key changes and updates to referencing elements at a glance
Which edition should I use?
Your course/study guide should tell you which edition to use. However, if it does not, then it is suggested that you ask your lecturer or course coordinator.
References and further reading
MLA Handbook. 9th ed. Modern Language Association of America, 2021. Massey University Library .
MLA Handbook. 8th ed. Modern Language Association of America, 2016. Massey University Library .
Modern Language Association of America. “What’s New in the Ninth Edition of the MLA Handbook (Spring 2021).” MLA Style Center, 2021, https://style.mla.org/ninth-edition-whats-new/.
Disclaimer
These pages are provided as a guide to proper referencing. Your course, department, school, or institute may prescribe specific conventions, and their recommendations supersede these instructions. If you have questions not covered here, check in the style guide listed above, ask your course coordinator, or ask at Academic Q+A.