How to Cite JSTOR in MLA 9 Format

What JSTOR is, and why it affects your MLA citation

JSTOR is a database, not usually the original publisher of the article, book chapter, or report you are reading. In MLA 9, you generally cite what you used, and you record where you found it. That means your citation usually includes:

1. The original source information, such as the journal title, volume, issue, date, and page range.
2. The database name, JSTOR, as the container that delivered the source.
3. A stable link or identifier, usually a DOI or a JSTOR stable URL.
4. An access date only when it helps your reader, for example, when the content is likely to change or when your instructor asks for it.

This approach matters because a reader should be able to locate the exact item you used, even if the same article exists on the journal’s website, another database, or in print.

The basic MLA 9 structure for a JSTOR item

Most JSTOR citations follow MLA’s “containers” model. Think of it as “the work” sitting inside larger containers.

Common template for a journal article on JSTOR

Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. #, no. #, Month Year, pp. xx to xx. JSTOR, DOI or stable URL.

If some elements are missing, you omit them rather than inserting placeholders like “n.d.”.

Author rules you must follow (with your required name formatting)

Your rules change the most common confusion point in MLA, which is author name formatting. Follow these exactly.

One author

• Use the author’s full first name, not initials.
• Invert the name: Last, First Middle.

Example pattern:
Nguyen, Isabella Marie.

Two authors

• First author is inverted: Last, First Middle
• Second author is normal order: First Middle Last
• Use and between names.

Example pattern:
Nguyen, Isabella Marie, and Daniel Robert Kim.

Three or more authors

• List only the first author in inverted order, then add et al.
• Do not list additional authors before et al.

Example pattern:
Nguyen, Isabella Marie, et al.

No author

• Start with the title.
• Do not use “Anonymous” or “n.d.”
• For alphabetizing, ignore A, An, The.

Example pattern:
“Title of Article.”

These rules matter because MLA Works Cited entries are alphabetized, and the inverted first author format makes entries easy to scan. Using full first names also reduces confusion when multiple scholars share a last name and first initial.

What to use from JSTOR, and what to ignore

Use these fields from the JSTOR record

• Author name(s)
• Article or chapter title
• Journal or book title
• Volume, issue, year, and page numbers (for journals)
• Publisher (often for books)
• DOI if available
• Stable URL if no DOI
• Database name: JSTOR

Avoid or be careful with these

• “Download PDF” links that include long tracking strings, use the stable URL instead.
• Random “permalink” formats from your browser bar if JSTOR provides a stable link.
• Adding an access date automatically, MLA 9 does not require it for most stable academic sources unless your instructor asks.

Example 1, Journal article on JSTOR (one author)

Works Cited entry (correct formatting)

Garcia, Maria Elena. “Rethinking Urban Memory in Postwar Literature.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 62, no. 3, Fall 2016, pp. 412-435. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2979/modfictionstudies.62.3.04.

Why each part is there

• Garcia, Maria Elena. The first author is inverted, and the first name is written in full, as required.
• “Rethinking Urban Memory in Postwar Literature.” Article titles go in quotation marks.
• Modern Fiction Studies is italicized because it is the journal title, which is the container for the article.
• vol. 62, no. 3 helps the reader find the exact issue.
• Fall 2016 is the publication date as listed by the journal.
• pp. 412-435 gives the page range of the article.
• JSTOR is the database container where you accessed it.
• Stable URL is included to help the reader retrieve the item. A DOI is also acceptable, and often preferred, if present.

Practical tip

If JSTOR provides both a DOI and a stable URL, use the DOI when it is clearly shown and functional. If not, the stable URL is fine.

Example 2, Journal article on JSTOR (two authors)

Works Cited entry (correct formatting)

Patel, Anika Rani, and Christopher James Lewis. “Climate Data and the Politics of Local Adaptation.” Environmental History, vol. 27, no. 2, April 2022, pp. 301-329. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1093/envhis/emab112.

What this example demonstrates

• Two-author rule: The first author is inverted, the second author is not inverted, and and connects them.
• Clear identification: Full first names reduce ambiguity, especially in fields where “A. Patel” could refer to many different researchers.
• Container logic: The journal is the first container, JSTOR is the second container.

Common pitfall

Do not write the second author as “Lewis, Christopher James.” That is incorrect for MLA two-author formatting in Works Cited entries. Only the first author is inverted.

Example 3, Journal article on JSTOR (three or more authors)

Works Cited entry (correct formatting)

Okafor, Chinedu Emmanuel, et al. “Mapping Migration Networks with Digital Archives.” Journal of Social Research Methods, vol. 15, no. 1, January 2020, pp. 55-78. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/48590211.

Why “et al.” matters

• It keeps the citation readable when author lists are long.
• It still gives credit by naming the first author, which is enough for matching your in-text citation to the Works Cited entry.

Common pitfall

Do not list multiple authors and then add et al. For your rule set, it must be first author only, then et al.

How to cite a JSTOR source with no author

If there is no author listed, start with the title. This is common with some encyclopedia entries, institutional pieces, or older items with incomplete metadata.

Pattern

“Title of Work.” Title of Journal or Website, publication details. JSTOR, stable URL.

Why this rule matters

MLA needs a consistent first element for alphabetizing. If there is no author, the title becomes the anchor that lets readers find the entry quickly.

In-text citations for JSTOR sources (MLA 9)

In-text citations are based on the first element of the Works Cited entry.

• One author: (Garcia 418)
• Two authors: (Patel and Lewis 310)
• Three or more authors: (Okafor et al. 60)
• No author: (“Mapping Urban Change” 12), use a shortened title in quotation marks.

JSTOR itself usually does not appear in the in-text citation. The in-text citation points to the Works Cited entry, and the Works Cited entry contains the database details.

Practical tips for getting JSTOR citations right

Tip 1, Use the stable URL

On JSTOR, look for “Stable URL” or a stable link option. Copy that instead of the long URL from the address bar if it includes extra parameters.

Tip 2, Double-check the author names

Databases sometimes shorten names or include initials. Your rules require full first names, so you may need to click into the PDF or the journal page to confirm the author’s full name.

Tip 3, Keep your punctuation consistent

MLA uses punctuation to separate elements. Periods usually mark the end of a major element, commas often separate parts within the same element, like volume and issue.

Tip 4, Do not treat JSTOR as the publisher

JSTOR is the database container. The journal or book publisher is separate, and for journal articles you usually do not list the publisher at all.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Using initials instead of full first names. Your guide requires full first names for clarity and respect for author identity.
• Inverting all authors. Only the first author is inverted. The second author in a two-author work stays in normal order.
• Listing all authors for three or more authors. Use the first author only, then et al.
• Using “n.d.” or “Anonymous.” If there is no author, start with the title.
• Forgetting the database container. If you accessed it through JSTOR, include JSTOR and the DOI or stable URL.
• Using an unstable link. A stable URL or DOI is more reliable for your reader.

Quick checklist before you finalize a JSTOR Works Cited entry

• Author formatted with full first name, first author inverted.
• Correct author count rule, one author, two authors with and, three or more with et al.
• Article title in quotation marks.
• Journal title italicized.
• Volume, issue, date, and pages included when available.
• JSTOR italicized as the database container.
• DOI or stable URL included.
• No em dashes used, no “n.d.”, no “Anonymous”.

If you tell me whether your JSTOR source is a journal article, book chapter, or something else, and you paste the JSTOR record fields you have, I can format a Works Cited entry that follows your rules exactly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Common Errors for Jstor Citations

Validation Checklist

Special Cases

What makes JSTOR citations “special” in MLA 9

JSTOR is usually not the original publisher of what you read. It is a database that hosts copies of journal articles, book chapters, and sometimes whole books. In MLA 9, you typically cite the original source first (the journal, book, or collection), then you add JSTOR as the container that helped you access it. This “two container” approach is the main reason JSTOR citations have edge cases.

Your citations also need to be consistent with MLA’s goals. They should help a reader identify the source, locate it again, and understand what version you used. That is why details like stable URLs, DOIs, and publication dates matter.

Core pattern for JSTOR in MLA 9

Most JSTOR citations follow this structure:

Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. #, no. #, Year, pp. xx to xx. JSTOR, DOI or stable URL. Accessed Day Month Year.

Not every element appears every time. MLA is flexible, but you should include what is available and useful for retrieval.

Special case 1: DOI versus JSTOR stable URL

When you have a DOI

Use the DOI if it is present because it is designed to be permanent. Format it as a URL.

• Example format: https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx

When you do not have a DOI

Use JSTOR’s stable URL (often called a “stable” link). This is usually more reliable than the long URL from your browser bar.

Practical tip: On JSTOR, look for “Stable URL” or “Stable link” in the item record.

Common pitfall: Pasting a long library proxy link. Those links may break for readers outside your institution. Prefer the JSTOR stable URL or DOI.

Special case 2: “Accessed” date, when it helps and when it is optional

In MLA 9, an access date is optional, but it is often helpful for database content. JSTOR content is relatively stable, but access dates still help when:

• You used a PDF scan and the interface or pagination differs by viewer.
• The item record has incomplete metadata and may be corrected later.
• Your instructor or institution expects access dates for database sources.

If you include an access date, put it at the end: Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

Common pitfall: Using a numeric date like 01/01/26. MLA prefers day month year, with abbreviated months.

Special case 3: Page numbers missing or confusing in JSTOR PDFs

Many JSTOR articles are scanned PDFs. The PDF viewer may show page counts that do not match the journal’s printed pagination. MLA prefers the page numbers of the original source, which are usually printed on the PDF pages.

• If the article has clear page numbers, use them: pp. 115-139.
• If there are no page numbers, omit them. Do not invent them from the PDF viewer.

Practical tip: Check the footer or header of the PDF pages for the journal’s original page numbers.

Special case 4: “Published” date vs “issue year” vs “upload date”

JSTOR sometimes shows multiple dates, such as “Published,” “Issue Date,” and “Added to JSTOR.” In MLA, you want the publication date of the original source, not the date JSTOR added it.

• Use the year (or full date, if relevant) associated with the journal issue or book publication.
• Ignore “Added to JSTOR” for Works Cited purposes.

Why this matters: MLA citations should represent the work’s publication context. The year tells readers where the work fits in the scholarly conversation.

Special case 5: Multiple authors, and your required name rules

Follow your rules consistently:

• First author is inverted: Last, First Middle
• Two authors use and, second author is normal order.
• Three or more authors use first author only plus et al.

Common pitfall: Copying JSTOR’s citation tool, which often uses initials. You must replace initials with full first names when you can verify them.

Practical tip: If JSTOR lists initials, check the article PDF, the journal website, an author profile page, or a library catalog record to confirm full first names.

Special case 6: No author listed

If no author is given, start with the title. Do not use “Anonymous” or “n.d.” In MLA, the title becomes the first element.

• Article or chapter title goes in quotation marks.
• Journal, book, or database titles are italicized.

Why this matters: MLA’s Works Cited list is alphabetized by the first element. Using the title keeps your list consistent and searchable.

Special case 7: Citing a book chapter or essay found on JSTOR

JSTOR sometimes provides chapters from edited collections. In that case, the chapter is the “source,” the book is the first container, and JSTOR is the second container.

Core pattern:

Author. “Title of Chapter.” Title of Book, edited by Editor Name, Publisher, Year, pp. xx to xx. JSTOR, stable URL. Accessed Day Month Year.

Common pitfall: Treating the chapter like a journal article. Always check whether the item is a chapter from a book.

Special case 8: Reviews, introductions, and other “non article” journal items

JSTOR includes book reviews, editorials, and notes. MLA formatting stays similar, but you should label the item if it clarifies what it is, for example: Review of ... This is especially useful when the title is generic, like “Review.”

Practical tip: If the item is a review, include the phrase “Review of” and the title of the work reviewed, if that information is available.

Examples with explanations (correct formatting)

Example 1: Journal article on JSTOR with a DOI, two authors

Works Cited entry

Garcia, Maria Elena, and Thomas Andrew Lee. “Rethinking Urban Memory in Postwar Literature.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 62, no. 3, 2016, pp. 421-445. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.1353/mfs.2016.0032. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

Why it is formatted this way
- The first author is inverted and uses a full first name, which supports alphabetizing and clarity.
- Two authors use “and,” and the second author is not inverted.
- The journal details (volume, issue, year, pages) identify the original publication.
- JSTOR is the database container, and the DOI is used because it is the most stable locator.
- The access date is included as a practical retrieval detail.

Example 2: Journal article with no DOI, use JSTOR stable URL, three or more authors

Works Cited entry

Patel, Anika R., et al. “Community Health Networks and Rural Access.” Journal of Public Policy Research, vol. 14, no. 1, 2019, pp. 33-58. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/26894512. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

Why it is formatted this way
- Three or more authors are shortened to the first author plus et al., which keeps the citation readable.
- The stable URL is used because there is no DOI.
- Page numbers are included because journal pagination is available and helps readers cite specific parts.

Common pitfall to avoid: Listing all authors before et al. Your rule requires only the first author, then et al.

Example 3: Chapter from an edited book on JSTOR, no author listed

Works Cited entry

“Mapping the Sacred Landscape.” Ritual and Space in Early Societies, edited by Helena Christine Morris, Cambridge University Press, 2011, pp. 77-102. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/j.ctt1abc123. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

Why it is formatted this way
- There is no author, so the chapter title begins the entry.
- The book title is italicized as the main container.
- The editor is included because it is an edited collection.
- JSTOR is listed as the second container, with a stable link for retrieval.

Common pitfall to avoid: Starting with the editor instead of the chapter title when there is no author. In MLA, the title is the correct first element in a no author case.

Practical tips for getting JSTOR details right

• Prefer DOI, then stable URL. Do not use temporary browser links or proxy links.
• Verify author full first names. If JSTOR shows initials, confirm names using the PDF or another reliable record.
• Use the original publication date. Ignore “Added to JSTOR.”
• Check whether you are viewing an article or a chapter. The container changes your citation structure.
• Do not force missing elements. If pages or issue numbers are not available, omit them rather than guessing.

Why these rules matter

These rules make your Works Cited list consistent, easy to scan, and easy to use. Full first names reduce confusion between authors with similar initials. Inverting the first author supports correct alphabetization. Using et al. prevents citations from becoming unreadably long. Choosing a DOI or stable URL helps your reader actually find the source again, which is one of the main purposes of citation.

If you share one of your JSTOR items, I can format it into a complete MLA 9 Works Cited entry using your exact author name rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a JSTOR article in MLA 9 if I accessed it online?

In MLA 9, cite the article as a work in a journal, then include JSTOR as the database (container) and add the stable URL. A common format is: Author Last Name, First Name. "Article Title." Journal Title, vol. #, no. #, Year, pp. xx-xx. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/xxxxx. Accessed Day Mon. Year. Use the page range from the PDF or the item record. If you read it in HTML with no pages, omit page numbers. Use the stable link (often includes /stable/). Practical scenario: you downloaded a PDF for a history class, cite the journal, then list JSTOR and the stable URL. Add an access date if your instructor requests it or if the content is likely to change. See MLA guidance on containers: https://style.mla.org/containers/ and database citations: https://style.mla.org/databases/.

Do I cite JSTOR or the journal, and what goes in the container fields?

You cite the journal article first, because the journal is the original publication. JSTOR is a second container because it is where you accessed the article. In MLA 9, the first container is the journal title, with volume, issue, year, and pages. The second container is JSTOR, followed by the DOI or stable URL. Practical scenario: you found an article in “American Quarterly” through JSTOR. Your Works Cited entry should name “American Quarterly” as the journal, then list JSTOR as the database. Do not replace the journal with JSTOR, and do not treat JSTOR as the publisher of the article. This structure helps readers locate the source in the original context and in the database you used. For more on MLA containers and how to format them, use https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/ and https://style.mla.org/containers/.

Should I use the JSTOR stable URL, a DOI, or the URL from my browser?

Prefer a DOI if one is provided, because it is designed to be persistent. If there is no DOI, use the JSTOR stable URL, which usually looks like https://www.jstor.org/stable/xxxxx. Avoid copying a long URL from your browser that includes session information or “?seq=1,” because it can break for other users. Practical scenario: you click “Cite this item” and see both a stable URL and a DOI. Use the DOI in the citation, and you can format it as a URL, for example https://doi.org/.... If only a stable URL appears, use that. MLA recommends including URLs when they help readers locate sources. For MLA’s guidance on URLs and DOIs, see https://style.mla.org/dois-and-urls/.

How do I cite a chapter from a book on JSTOR in MLA 9?

Treat it as a chapter in an edited book (or a chapter in a book by a single author), then add JSTOR as the database container. A common pattern is: Chapter Author Last Name, First Name. "Chapter Title." Book Title, edited by Editor First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year, pp. xx-xx. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/xxxxx. Accessed Day Mon. Year. Practical scenario: you used a chapter from an edited collection for a literature review. You should name the chapter author and chapter title, then the book title and editor, then the book publisher and year, followed by JSTOR and the stable URL. Use the page range shown in the PDF. If there is no editor, omit the edited by element. For MLA examples of book chapters and containers, see https://style.mla.org/citing-book-chapters/ and the MLA quick guide: https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/.

Do I need an access date when citing JSTOR, and when is it recommended?

MLA 9 treats access dates as optional, but they are often recommended for database sources, especially if your instructor or program requires them. Add an access date when the content might change, when there is no publication date, or when you are using a platform where availability can vary by institution. Practical scenario: your professor says, “Include access dates for all online sources.” In that case, add “Accessed 1 Jan. 2026” at the end of the citation. Another scenario is when you are citing a review, a pamphlet, or an item with unclear dating, the access date helps document when you consulted it. If you are using a DOI and the publication details are clear, some instructors still prefer access dates for consistency. See MLA’s overview of Works Cited elements and optional items here: https://style.mla.org/works-cited-a-quick-guide/.

How do I do in-text citations for a JSTOR PDF, and what if there are no page numbers?

In MLA, in-text citations usually include the author’s last name and a page number, for example (Nguyen 214). If you are using a JSTOR PDF, use the page number from the PDF, even though you accessed it online. Practical scenario: you quote a sentence from page 7 of the downloaded PDF, your in-text citation should use that page number, then your Works Cited entry provides the full JSTOR citation. If the source has no page numbers, as with some HTML views or certain items, omit the page number and cite only the author, for example (Nguyen). If there are section headings, you can mention a short title or section in your prose instead of forcing a page number. For MLA in-text citation guidance, see https://style.mla.org/in-text-citations/.

Last Updated: 2026-01-01
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