Sometimes you’ll have a group as the author, like the World Health Organization and another group. In MLA, you treat the group name like a single last name. So the citation looks like this: (World Health Organization and UNICEF 34).
Just make sure to use the full group name in the first mention, then you can abbreviate later (if it’s a long name). For example: (WHO and UNICEF 34). Your professor will thank you for the clarity.
One More Tip (Because I Love You)
Always check your source’s title page. If the book has two authors listed, but you’re using a chapter by only one of them? You still cite both unless the chapter specifically names one author. Don’t overthink it; MLA is a system, not a puzzle.
And if you’re using a source where the authors are listed as “First Author and Second Author” but the order matters? Keep that order in your citation. It’s a sign of respect—and a way to avoid an academic shunning.
So next time you’re at 2 AM with cold coffee, just whisper: “Smith and Jones 45.” You’ll nail it. Now go forth and cite like the scholar you are—I believe in you.
