Cite a government report in MLA 9
Government reports often make the agency the author, publisher, and institutional source at the same time. In MLA 9 (2021), report numbers and department names keep the reference traceable without inventing an individual author. Use the title page or cover for the official agency name, publication year, report number, publisher convention, and stable URL.
MLA 9 rules for a government report
- Agency or department name is the author when no individual author is credited.
- Year is the official publication year on the report cover or title page.
- Report title is italicized.
- Include the report number exactly as printed.
- Use the agency publisher and stable report URL when available.
Worked example
MLA 9 · government reportA real government report formatted using the MLA 9 rules above.
NASA "NASA strategic plan 2022." *NASA*, 2022, www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/fy22-nasa-strategic-plan.pdf. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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