#MLA HANDBOOK PDF MANUALS#

The second part of the MLA Handbookprovides a more in-depth look at the specifics of the new style. It simply opens the space for new forms of scholarship and media to be documented in a clear and consistent way regardless of the delivery format.

This principle-based approach, however, is not without structure. Contrasting past MLA handbooks that served as 'reference work, which users consulted at need,' this edition is more of 'a guide that the principles underlying documentation' (xi). I found this section to be clear and informative. The first, as its title suggests, is dedicated to general principles of research and writing. The handbook is divided into two main parts: 'Principles of MLA Style' (1вЂ“58) and 'Details of MLA Style' (59вЂ“128). By basing the handbook on 'commonsense guidelines' (3) rather than prescriptive rules, the MLA has made a bold move, and a positive one in my opinion, toward a style that seeks to present the information that is most useful to readers, thus enabling more open communication in research and scholarly dialogue. Fitzpatrick adds historical context to the MLA Handbookin her insightful preface, recognizing that with the 'increasing mobility of texts' (x), there is even more need for 'reliable data trail' as well as increased 'flexibility and openness' (xiii) to be able to cite any data source, whether currently existing or yet to be invented. The basic theories behind this recent publication are repeated throughout the text it grants 'more freedom' (vii) and 'greater flexibility' (viii) to authors, while underscoring the continuing need for general principles of research and documentation. In her fore-word, Feal acknowledges that MLA style 'has evolved in response to changing needs over the years' (vii). The MLA Handbookbegins with a foreword from Rosemary Feal and a preface from Kathleen Fitzpatrick, the latter being the primary author of the style guide (xiii). As I read the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook, I confess my surprise to have learned, as the back cover clearly states, that: 'More than just a new edition, this is a new MLA style.' Though I anticipate some pushback against this major change, I consider the MLA's decision to transition to a less rigid style a necessary step in the right direction to be able to anticipate and meet new needs in a digital age.

#MLA HANDBOOK PDF MANUALS#

As a scholar and editor, I read style manuals regularly, both to sharpen my editorial skills and to stay abreast of updates.

Mla handbook pdf