MLA citations are recommended for students, scholars, and writers in the humanities, such as literature, languages, art history, and cultural studies. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format emphasizes the authorship and pagination of sources, making it ideal for disciplines that engage heavily with textual analysis and critique. This citation style facilitates the clear and consistent documentation of sources ranging from books and journal articles to films and digital media, enabling writers to credit original ideas while allowing readers to track down the referenced material. As such, individuals involved in writing essays, research papers, or any scholarly documentation within the humanities are advised to use MLA citations to adhere to the conventions of their academic and professional communities.
Visit our Primo Research Guide if you have any questions.
When you're beginning a research project, start by searching in Primo to get a general overview of what's available. Once you have a sense of your topic, move on to subject-specific databases—these are great for finding more detailed and focused information.
To make your searches more effective, try using Boolean operators:
Start with a broad search and then narrow it down as you learn more. If you already have a general idea of your topic, use a wide keyword and then adjust based on what you find.
Pay attention to the keywords and subject terms in the articles you read. These can help you come up with better search terms. If you're getting too many results, try adding more specific words to your search.
To search for an exact phrase, put it in quotation marks. For example, searching for "social media addiction" will find that exact phrase, not just the individual words.
If you're reading a long article, e-book, or webpage and want to find something quickly, press CTRL + F (or Command + F on a Mac). This opens a search box that lets you find specific words or phrases in the document.
Finally, remember to keep your writing clear, formal, and informative when working on research assignments. Good research is not just about finding information—it's about communicating it well.
If you need more, check our advanced guide to Database Search Tips.
