How to Cite a Dataset in MLA 9th Edition

This guide explains how to format a dataset citation in MLA 9th Edition. Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a dataset in MLA 9th Edition:

Template

Author(s) or Organization. "Title of Dataset." Publisher/Repository, Version, Year. URL or DOI.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(World Bank)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your Works Cited:

Works Cited entry

World Bank. "World Development Indicators." The World Bank Group, 2023. doi.org/10.57966/0bg5-6z29.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
List the person(s) or organization that created the dataset. Follow MLA author formatting rules.
2
Write the dataset title
Place the title of the dataset in quotation marks. Use title case.
3
Add the container information
The repository or publisher serves as the container. Include it in italics if it is a larger platform (e.g., ICPSR, Zenodo). Add the version and year.
4
Include the DOI or URL
Provide the DOI (without https://) or URL where the dataset can be accessed. End with a period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not placing the dataset title in quotation marks (MLA treats datasets as parts of a larger container).
Omitting the version number when multiple versions exist.
Forgetting to include the DOI or repository URL.
Using italics instead of quotation marks for the dataset title.
Not including the repository or publisher as the container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should the dataset title be italicized or in quotation marks in MLA?

In MLA, use quotation marks for the dataset title. The repository or platform name can be italicized as the container. This follows MLA's core container model.

How do I cite a dataset I downloaded from a repository?

Include the repository name as the container (italicized), followed by the version, year, and DOI or URL. Example: "Survey Data." ICPSR, Version 2, 2022. doi.org/xxxxx.

What if the dataset has no named creator?

Begin with the title of the dataset in quotation marks. Then list the repository or sponsoring organization as the container.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your dataset:

Author/Creator
Title
Version
Publisher/Repository
Year
DOI/URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the creator

List the person(s) or organization that created the dataset. Follow MLA author formatting rules.

Write the dataset title

Place the title of the dataset in quotation marks. Use title case.

Add the container information

The repository or publisher serves as the container. Include it in italics if it is a larger platform (e.g., ICPSR, Zenodo). Add the version and year.

Include the DOI or URL

Provide the DOI (without https://) or URL where the dataset can be accessed. End with a period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not placing the dataset title in quotation marks (MLA treats datasets as parts of a larger container).

Omitting the version number when multiple versions exist.

Forgetting to include the DOI or repository URL.

Using italics instead of quotation marks for the dataset title.

Not including the repository or publisher as the container.