The following information is an abridged version of the style and formatting guidelines found in the Publication Manual of the MLA Handbook, 9th ed. (2021). This sheet is to serve as a ready reference; more in-depth descriptions can be found in the handbook.
General Information about Endnotes and Footnotes
- Certain academic fields and advanced-level academic papers require endnotes or footnotes to cite sources. Even though most professors will not require this format of documentation, you should always ask your instructor’s preference.
- Endnotes and footnotes have their own format for the documentation of sources. Instead of the in-text parenthetical citation, notes refer readers by using small superscript numerals.
- A works cited page is still required when using endnotes or footnotes within a paper.
- The small superscript numerals can be placed at the end of a word or sentence. If there is more than one notation within a page or paper, the numerals are placed in order (1, 2, 3) and correspond consecutively with the respective footnotes or endnotes.
- The difference between footnotes and endnotes involves the location of the notes in the document and sometimes the type of document:
- Endnotes are located at the end of the main text of the paper.
- Footnotes are located at the bottom of each page of the main text.
- In MLA format, footnotes and endnotes can be classified into two types:
- Content Notes
- Bibliographic Notes
Content Notes
Content notes provide additional explanation or information for material used within the text of the paper or to clarify what you wrote.
Example
It can be assumed that organizational image is a two-way perception; not only is the organization sending out a message to its key publics, but the publics themselves are placing their own expectations on the organization as well.¹
Note
1. Throughout this paper, the term image is conceptualized as the impression an organization makes on external audiences.
Bibliographic Notes
Bibliographic notes are used for general in-text references of multiple sources. Page numbers are often referred to within the bibliographic notes.
Example
Much of the literature in the field of image construction and identity development focuses on the organizational images of corporations, not universities.¹
Recent studies have looked at image assessments of universities, as they are becoming more marketable and functioning as a commodity that can be manufactured, bought, and sold.²
Notes
1. For a sampling of studies that focus on organizational images or corporations, see Alessandri, Yang, and Kinsey 259-270; Treadwell and Harrison 66-68; and Kazoleas 270-272.
2. For more information on the recent trend of viewing education as a commodity, see Nguyen 351-388 and Sung 370.