How to Cite a White Paper in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 08/09/2024

When citing a white paper in Modern Language Association (MLA) format, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. A white paper is a detailed report or guide that informs readers about a complex issue and presents the issuing body’s philosophy on the matter.

Below is a detailed guide on how to cite a white paper in MLA format, using the provided example.

GENERAL CITATION ELEMENTS FOR CITING A WHITE PAPER

To cite a white paper in MLA format, the following steps should be followed:

• Author or Issuing Organization: List the name of the individual authors or the organization responsible for the white paper. If the document has multiple authors, include their names in the order they appear in the white paper.
• Title of the White Paper: Next, include the title of the white paper in italics. Ensure that the title is written exactly as it appears in the document, using title case where the principal words are capitalized.
• Report Number: If the white paper has a report number, it should be included in parentheses immediately after the title. This is particularly useful for distinguishing between different reports issued by the same organization.
• Publication Date: The date of publication should be formatted as day month year. The month should be abbreviated to the first three letters, and the date should follow the day-month-year format.
• URL: If the white paper is accessed online, include the full URL where the document can be retrieved.

EXAMPLE CITATIONS FOR CITING A WHITE PAPER

Using the elements provided, the citation should be formatted as follows:

Consistent Formatting: Use consistent formatting for the title, report number, and publication date as per MLA guidelines. Ensure that titles are italicized, report numbers are in parentheses, and dates are formatted correctly to maintain citation uniformity. Online Access: When citing an online white paper, include the full URL. Verify that the URL is correct and leads directly to the document for easy access. Publication Date: Always include the publication date of the white paper, formatted as day month year. This detail helps readers understand the timeliness and relevance of the document. Verify Source Details: Double-check all details of the white paper, including the title, publication date, and URL, to ensure accuracy. This prevents errors and helps readers locate the source without difficulty.