- If a DOI is available it is preferred over a URL or permalink.
- DOIs should now include the http:// and https://
- For general websites, copy and paste from your browser, some will include the www. and some will not. Either is acceptable. Do not include queries.
- Shorten URL's that are over three lines long. Truncate the URL to at least the host name.
- Avoid citing URLs produced by shortening services (like bit.ly).
- Subscription databases will have a stable URL or permalink. Do not copy and paste the browser URL.
- If an article is issued by season (spring, summer, fall, winter) the first letter is now lower case.
- Access dates for online works should generally be provided if there is no publication date or if work has been altered or
removed.
MLA Handbook, 9th Ed., pp. 194-196, p. 185, p. 192