Interviews (Personal & Published)
Interviews are valuable primary sources that provide direct access to individuals' perspectives, experiences, memories, and expert opinions. They can range from personal conversations conducted by the researcher to formally published interactions in various media like print, audio, video, or online platforms. Citing interviews correctly in MLA style is essential to give credit to the interviewee (and interviewer, if applicable), and to allow readers to understand the context and, if possible, locate the source of the information.
This section will provide detailed guidelines on how to cite different types of interviews according to MLA 9th Edition conventions. We will cover personal interviews (those you conduct yourself) and various forms of published interviews, including those found in print periodicals, books, websites, and as part of audiovisual programs like podcasts or television shows.
I. Personal Interviews (MLA 9th Edition)
Personal interviews are those you conduct yourself and are not published elsewhere. They are considered primary sources and are cited in the Works Cited list in MLA style.
- Interviewee Last Name, First Name: The full name of the person you interviewed.
- Personal interview: This exact phrase is used to describe the type of communication.
- Day Month Year of Interview: The date on which the interview was conducted. Abbreviate months as per MLA style (e.g., Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.; May, June, July are not abbreviated).
- Cite the interviewee's last name in parentheses. If their name is mentioned in your sentence, no parenthetical citation is needed.
- Example: One local business owner noted that "community support has been crucial" (Patel).
- Example: Ananya Patel confirmed that community support has been crucial.