 MLA-9 in-text citations. This video demonstrates how to create MLA-9 in-text citations and explains where to get help if you have more questions about MLA citations. In-text citations are parenthetical citations included within the body of your assignment when sources are quoted directly, paraphrased, or referenced. The parenthetical citation gives the reader some quick information and directs them to the full citation in the reference list. When you're quoting, place your in-text citation at the end of the direct quote. When you're paraphrasing or using ideas from a source, place the in-text citation as close as possible to this information. A parenthetical citation should include the first part of the full citation, which is usually the author last name. If there is no author, use a shortened version of the source title for your in-text citation. In addition to the author's name, include the location of your cited work, usually the page number. So an in-text citation for a quote from page 124 of an article by an author with the last name Smith would have the following format. Open parentheses, Smith, 124, close parentheses. The reader can then look in your reference page and find the specific resource with Smith as the author. If the source you're citing has two authors, include both names for your in-text citation. If Smith had a co-author with the last name Park, the citation would look like this. Open parentheses, Smith and Park, 124, close parentheses. For three or more authors, list the first author's last name, followed by E-T, space, A-L, period. Open parentheses, Smith at all, period, 124, close parentheses. When your paper is documented in this way, it will be easy for the reader to see exactly where you found your information. For help with more complex in-text citation questions, such as citing sources with no author or no page number, visit our citation guide at belviewcollege.libguides.com slash mla9 slash home. Or use the Ask a Librarian page on our website to learn more about getting in touch with a librarian.