The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is a guide for writing research papers using the format and standards of the Modern Language Association. Consult with the MLA Handbook for answers to questions not covered in this guide. The MLA Handbook provides excellent information about selecting and researching topics, note taking and outlining, compiling bibliographies, and writing drafts. Ask the Librarian to show you the locations of the MLA Handbook and MLA Style Manual in the Reference Room. Follow your professor's instructions regarding the numbering of the first page.
Some professors request that no number appear on the first page.
Title of Paper Double-space after the date entry and center the title of the paper. Do not underline or place your title in quotation marks. Do not type the title in all capital letters or place a period at the end of the title. Type your name, followed by a space and the page number. The parenthetical documentation found within the text of a research paper should include the author's name and the page numbers where the information was found.