A citation for Oni Buchanan’s book Lonely Animal in MLA style provides the necessary information for readers to locate this specific work. A typical citation would include the author’s name, title, publisher, and publication date, adhering to the MLA formatting guidelines. For example, a book citation includes details such as edition, place of publication, and sometimes additional information depending on the source’s format.
Accurate and consistent citation practices are crucial for academic integrity. They allow readers to verify information, trace sources, and acknowledge the original author’s work. Properly citing Lonely Animal enables scholars and researchers to explore Buchanan’s poetry within its appropriate context. This gives credence to scholarly work and prevents plagiarism. Furthermore, it facilitates further research into related works and critical analyses of Buchanan’s contribution to contemporary poetry.
Understanding the principles of citation and applying them correctly contributes to a richer and more responsible scholarly discourse. The following sections will delve into the specific components of an MLA book citation, offering practical guidance and illustrating the proper format for citing poetry collections like Lonely Animal.
1. Author
The accurate attribution of authorship is fundamental to academic citation. Within the context of “lonely animal by oni buchanan book citation mla,” identifying “Oni Buchanan” as the author is the first and most crucial step in constructing a proper MLA citation. This correctly identifies the creator of the work and establishes the foundation for the remaining citation elements.
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Authorial Significance
Correctly identifying Oni Buchanan as the author establishes ownership of the work and ensures proper credit. This distinguishes her work from other publications with similar titles or themes. Within the scholarly landscape, accurate author attribution is essential for preventing plagiarism and upholding intellectual property rights.
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Name Variations and Disambiguation
While an author’s name might seem straightforward, variations in name presentation (e.g., use of middle initials, pseudonyms) can complicate citations. Confirming the standard form of Oni Buchanan’s name, as it appears on the book’s title page, ensures consistency and accuracy. This becomes especially relevant when dealing with authors with common names or those who publish under different names.
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Impact on Research and Retrieval
Correct author attribution is crucial for effectively searching library catalogs and databases. Precisely identifying “Oni Buchanan” as the author allows researchers to readily locate Lonely Animal and related works. Inaccurate author information hinders the research process and can lead to incomplete or misleading results.
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Relationship to Other Citation Elements
The author’s name directly relates to other citation components. For instance, understanding that Oni Buchanan is the author facilitates connecting the name to the correct title, Lonely Animal, and other bibliographic details. Each element contributes to the complete and accurate citation.
Precise author identification forms the basis of a complete and accurate citation for Lonely Animal. Without correctly attributing authorship to Oni Buchanan, the entire citation loses its value as a reliable and verifiable reference. This meticulous approach to citation ensures scholarly integrity and supports the broader academic community.
2. Title
Within the framework of an MLA book citation for Oni Buchanan’s work, the title Lonely Animal holds a central position. Accurate representation of this title is crucial for proper identification and retrieval of the specific work being cited. The following facets explore the significance and complexities associated with accurately citing the title within a broader MLA citation context.
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Title Accuracy and Capitalization
Precise transcription of the title, Lonely Animal, is essential. This includes correctly capitalizing the first letter of each principal word (excluding articles, prepositions, and conjunctions unless they begin or end the title). Variations or omissions in capitalization can lead to difficulties in locating the work and compromise the citation’s integrity. For example, citing it as lonely animal or Lonely animal would be incorrect. Strict adherence to capitalization rules ensures consistent and accurate representation.
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Italics and Other Formatting Conventions
MLA style dictates that book titles are italicized. This distinguishes the title from other elements within the citation. Failure to italicize Lonely Animal deviates from established conventions and diminishes the citation’s clarity and professional appearance. While underlining was previously acceptable, current MLA guidelines emphasize the use of italics. Consistency in applying this formatting ensures clarity and adherence to scholarly standards.
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The Title’s Role in Identifying the Work
Lonely Animal serves as a key identifier within the larger citation, distinguishing Buchanan’s specific poetry collection from her other publications or works with similar titles. It connects the author to the specific creative output being referenced. This precision is paramount in scholarly communication, enabling readers to locate the exact source material.
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Relationship to Other Citation Elements
The title works in concert with other citation elements author, publisher, publication date to create a complete and unambiguous reference. The title Lonely Animal cannot stand alone; it requires the context of “by Oni Buchanan” and the relevant publication details to function effectively within a full MLA citation. Each element contributes to a comprehensive and verifiable reference.
Accurate representation of the title, Lonely Animal, is integral to a complete and functional MLA citation. Careful attention to capitalization, italicization, and the title’s relationship to other citation elements ensures proper identification of Buchanan’s work and upholds the standards of scholarly communication. These details, while seemingly minor, contribute significantly to the overall integrity and effectiveness of the citation.
3. Publisher
The publisher’s name forms a critical component of an MLA book citation for Lonely Animal by Oni Buchanan. This element, alongside the author, title, and publication year, allows for precise identification of the specific edition cited. Variations between editions published by different publishers can exist, potentially affecting content, pagination, and other aspects of the work. Therefore, accurately identifying the publisher clarifies which version a researcher consulted. For instance, if Lonely Animal were published by both University of Georgia Press and Penguin Random House, specifying the publisher differentiates these distinct publications.
Including the publisher’s name aids in locating the book. Library catalogs and databases utilize publisher information as a searchable field, facilitating the retrieval process. Further, specifying the publisher allows readers to assess the work’s potential context and audience. Academic presses, for example, often suggest a scholarly focus, while commercial publishers might imply a broader readership. Understanding the publisher’s role also becomes relevant when citing reprinted or later editions of a work. Changes in publisher across editions necessitate accurate reflection of this information in the citation. For example, an initial publication by a small press later reprinted by a larger publisher requires distinct citations for each edition to reflect these changes.
Accurate identification of the publisher for Lonely Animal ensures clarity and precision within scholarly communication. This detail contributes to the verifiability of research and allows others to locate the exact edition cited. Omitting or incorrectly stating the publisher undermines the citation’s purpose and hinders effective scholarly discourse. Understanding the publisher’s role as a key component within the MLA citation ecosystem strengthens the overall integrity and utility of the citation.
4. Publication Year
The publication year is a crucial element within the MLA citation for Oni Buchanan’s Lonely Animal. It situates the work within a specific timeframe, enabling researchers to understand its historical context and relationship to other literary and cultural events. This information also helps differentiate between different editions of the same work, which might contain revisions, introductions, or other variations affecting scholarly interpretation.
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Identifying Editions and Revisions
Different editions of Lonely Animal, if they exist, might be published in different years. Noting the publication year allows scholars to identify the specific edition cited, ensuring clarity and preventing confusion. A first edition might differ significantly from a later edition, particularly with poetry collections where revisions or additions are sometimes made. Accurately citing the publication year ensures that other researchers can locate and consult the exact same version.
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Establishing Scholarly Context
The publication year places Lonely Animal within a specific historical and literary context. This allows researchers to analyze the work in relation to contemporary literary trends, social movements, and critical discourse of the time. Knowing the publication year enables scholars to explore how Lonely Animal engages with the literary landscape of its period and contributes to ongoing scholarly conversations.
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Copyright and Intellectual Property
The publication year is directly tied to copyright and intellectual property rights. It informs researchers about the legal status of the work, especially concerning fair use and permissions for reproduction. Understanding the publication year is essential for respecting copyright law and ensuring responsible scholarly engagement with the material.
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Impact on Research and Retrieval
Databases and library catalogs utilize the publication year as a key search parameter. Providing the correct year streamlines the research process, allowing scholars to quickly and accurately locate Lonely Animal. Inaccurate or missing publication year information can hinder retrieval and lead to incomplete or irrelevant search results.
The publication year, therefore, serves not only as a chronological marker but also as a crucial component for accurately identifying and interpreting Lonely Animal. Its inclusion within the MLA citation ensures clarity, supports responsible research practices, and contextualizes the work within broader scholarly discourse. This seemingly small detail plays a significant role in the overall integrity and effectiveness of the citation, enabling robust research and accurate scholarly communication.
5. Medium
Specifying “Medium: Print” within an MLA book citation for Oni Buchanan’s Lonely Animal distinguishes this format from other potential mediums, such as electronic or audiobook versions. This distinction carries significant implications for accurate identification, resource location, and understanding the nuances of the cited material. Print editions often have specific pagination, layout features, and other characteristics not necessarily replicated in other formats. For example, citing page numbers in a print edition becomes irrelevant when referencing an e-book where pagination can vary depending on device settings. The “Medium: Print” designation ensures that readers understand precisely which version of Lonely Animal is referenced, allowing them to locate and access the material effectively. Furthermore, different editionseven within the same mediumcan present textual variations. Specifying the print medium helps clarify which specific print edition is being cited.
The inclusion of “Medium: Print” impacts several practical aspects of research. Library discovery systems utilize medium information as a search filter, allowing researchers to narrow results to print holdings. This specificity is crucial when physical access to a print copy is required, such as for examining unique printing features or conducting textual analysis dependent on the printed page. Furthermore, citing the medium as print acknowledges the materiality of the book itself. This can be relevant for studies focusing on book history, printing techniques, or the physical characteristics of books as objects. Consider, for example, scholarly work on the history of bookbinding or typography; referencing a print edition becomes essential for such research. Additionally, different mediums might have different introductory materials or editorial notes, further emphasizing the importance of specifying “Print” for accuracy and proper attribution.
Accurate and consistent use of “Medium: Print” within the MLA citation framework for Lonely Animal ensures clarity, facilitates resource retrieval, and acknowledges the unique attributes of the print edition. This seemingly minor detail contributes significantly to the overall integrity and functionality of the citation, supporting rigorous scholarship and accurate communication within the academic community. Recognizing the impact of medium specification reinforces the importance of meticulous citation practices in academic work.
6. City of Publication
The city of publication, while seemingly a minor detail, plays a significant role in constructing a complete and accurate MLA book citation for Oni Buchanan’s Lonely Animal. This element contributes to the identification of specific editions, aids in locating the work, and provides valuable contextual information for scholarly research. Variations in publishing practices across different locations can result in distinct editions of the same work, potentially impacting content, pagination, and availability. Understanding the relevance of the city of publication ensures accurate and effective scholarly communication.
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Distinguishing Editions and Variations
Different cities of publication can indicate distinct editions of Lonely Animal. Publishers sometimes release editions tailored to specific regions or markets. These editions might feature variations in content, formatting, or supplementary material. For example, a U.S. edition might differ from a U.K. edition. Specifying the city of publication clarifies which version a researcher consulted, eliminating ambiguity and promoting accurate scholarship.
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Aiding Resource Location and Verification
The city of publication assists in locating Lonely Animal within library catalogs and databases. This information helps refine search results and distinguish between editions published in different locations. For rare or historical editions, the city of publication can be crucial for identifying specific holdings in different library collections. Accurate citation facilitates resource verification and access for other researchers.
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Providing Historical and Cultural Context
The city of publication can offer insights into the book’s historical and cultural context. The publishing industry often clusters in specific cities, reflecting literary trends and intellectual movements associated with those locations. Knowing the city of publication can illuminate the literary landscape surrounding Lonely Animal‘s release, enhancing scholarly understanding of its reception and influence.
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Impact on International Editions and Translations
For works published internationally or translated into other languages, the city of publication becomes particularly significant. It differentiates between the original publication and subsequent editions or translations. For example, Lonely Animal might be initially published in New York and later translated and published in London. Specifying the city of publication distinguishes these versions, allowing researchers to cite the appropriate edition accurately.
Accurate inclusion of the city of publication strengthens the overall integrity and utility of the MLA citation for Lonely Animal. This seemingly minor detail contributes to the precise identification of specific editions, facilitates effective resource location, and offers valuable contextual information for scholarly analysis. Meticulous attention to such details underscores the importance of comprehensive and accurate citation practices in academic research and communication, ensuring clarity and facilitating the scholarly pursuit of knowledge.
7. Double-check every detail
Accuracy represents a cornerstone of scholarly citation. Within the context of an MLA book citation for Oni Buchanan’s Lonely Animal, the imperative to “double-check every detail” holds significant weight. A seemingly minor errora misspelled name, an incorrect publication year, or a missing italicizationcan compromise the citation’s integrity and hinder its functionality. Consider, for instance, a researcher misspelling Buchanan as “Buchanon.” This seemingly small error could prevent another scholar from locating the work, disrupting the flow of research and potentially leading to inaccurate conclusions. Similarly, omitting the city of publication, particularly for internationally published works, could create ambiguity and make it difficult to identify the specific edition cited.
The practice of double-checking each elementauthor, title, publisher, publication year, medium, and city of publicationserves as a safeguard against such errors. This meticulous approach ensures that the citation accurately reflects the source material and fulfills its purpose as a reliable and verifiable reference. For Lonely Animal, verifying details might involve comparing the book’s title page against existing online records or consulting the MLA Handbook for specific formatting guidelines. This careful verification process demonstrates a commitment to scholarly rigor and strengthens the overall credibility of the research. Imagine a scenario where a student cites Lonely Animal in a research paper on contemporary poetry. Failing to double-check the publication year could lead to misrepresenting the work’s place within the literary timeline, potentially affecting the paper’s analysis and conclusions.
Diligent verification contributes not only to the accuracy of individual citations but also to the broader ecosystem of scholarly communication. Accurate citations facilitate the dissemination of knowledge, enable researchers to build upon existing scholarship, and promote intellectual honesty. Within the context of citing Lonely Animal, “double-checking every detail” transforms a seemingly mundane task into a crucial step in maintaining the integrity of research and contributing to the advancement of scholarly discourse. This meticulous approach reinforces the value of precision and attention to detail in academic work, ultimately enriching the quality and reliability of scholarly contributions.
8. Consult the MLA Handbook
The MLA Handbook serves as the definitive guide for MLA style, providing comprehensive instructions for citing various sources, including books like Oni Buchanan’s Lonely Animal. Consulting this resource is crucial for ensuring accuracy and consistency in citations, contributing to scholarly integrity and facilitating effective research. The handbook addresses specific formatting requirements, clarifies points of ambiguity, and offers updated guidance on evolving citation practices. Its use directly impacts the precision and verifiability of citations, ensuring that scholarly work adheres to established academic standards.
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Author Names and Variations
The MLA Handbook provides specific guidance on handling variations in author names, such as pseudonyms, multiple authors, or authors with similar names. This is relevant for ensuring the correct attribution of Lonely Animal to Oni Buchanan and distinguishing her work from other authors. The handbook clarifies the order of author names in citations, the use of initials versus full names, and how to handle corporate or institutional authors. These details ensure clarity and consistency in identifying and crediting sources.
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Title Formatting and Capitalization
The handbook outlines precise rules for formatting titles, including capitalization, italicization, and the use of quotation marks. This ensures that Lonely Animal is cited correctly, distinguishing it as a book title. The handbook addresses the handling of subtitles, titles within titles, and titles in different languages. These specifications contribute to the visual clarity and professional presentation of citations, aiding readers in identifying and locating the referenced material.
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Publisher Information and Location
The MLA Handbook provides guidance on citing publisher information, including the publisher’s name and location. This information is crucial for distinguishing different editions of Lonely Animal and aiding in its retrieval through library catalogs and databases. The handbook addresses variations in publisher names, the inclusion of parent companies, and the handling of university presses. These details ensure the precise identification of the specific edition cited, facilitating accurate resource location and verification.
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Publication Date and Medium Specificity
The handbook addresses the inclusion and formatting of the publication date and medium of publication. This is crucial for identifying the correct edition of Lonely Animal, especially when multiple editions or formats exist. The handbook clarifies how to cite reprints, revised editions, and different publication formats such as print, electronic, or audiobook versions. Specifying these details ensures that researchers can locate and access the exact version cited, supporting accurate and verifiable scholarship.
Consulting the MLA Handbook provides a crucial framework for accurately citing Lonely Animal. Adhering to its guidelines ensures consistency, clarity, and scholarly integrity in referencing Buchanans work. Each specific detail within the citation, guided by the handbook’s recommendations, contributes to the overall effectiveness and reliability of the citation, supporting rigorous research practices and facilitating effective scholarly communication. The handbook’s guidance ensures that citations function as precise and verifiable references, contributing to the broader landscape of academic knowledge and discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries regarding the citation of Oni Buchanan’s Lonely Animal within the MLA style guide. Accurate citation is crucial for academic integrity and efficient research. These responses aim to clarify potential points of confusion and promote consistent adherence to MLA guidelines.
Question 1: Why is precise citation for Lonely Animal necessary?
Accurate citation ensures proper attribution to Oni Buchanan, avoids plagiarism, and allows others to locate the specific edition used. This supports scholarly integrity and facilitates further research.
Question 2: What are the core elements of an MLA book citation?
An MLA book citation typically includes the author’s name, title, publisher, publication year, and medium. Additional elements, such as the city of publication, may be required depending on the specifics of the source.
Question 3: How does one determine the correct publication information for Lonely Animal?
The copyright page of the book itself provides the most reliable publication information. Library catalogs and reputable online databases can also offer verification.
Question 4: How does the medium of publication affect the citation for Lonely Animal?
Different mediums (print, electronic, etc.) necessitate specific formatting adjustments in MLA style. Specifying “Print” clarifies the cited format and its distinct characteristics, such as fixed pagination.
Question 5: What is the significance of the city of publication in an MLA citation?
The city of publication can help distinguish different editions of Lonely Animal, especially for works published internationally or by multiple publishers. This detail adds precision and aids in accurate resource location.
Question 6: Where can one find definitive guidance on MLA style and formatting for Lonely Animal?
The MLA Handbook provides comprehensive and up-to-date guidance on all aspects of MLA style. Consulting this resource resolves specific formatting questions and ensures adherence to established scholarly conventions.
Accurate and consistent citation practices contribute to the integrity of scholarly work and facilitate the efficient exchange of information. These responses highlight the key considerations when citing Lonely Animal in MLA style, promoting responsible research practices and fostering a culture of academic honesty.
The following section offers practical examples of how to construct a complete and accurate MLA citation for Lonely Animal, further clarifying the application of these principles.
Tips for Citing Lonely Animal
Precise and consistent citation practices are essential for academic integrity. The following tips provide practical guidance for accurately citing Oni Buchanan’s Lonely Animal using MLA style, ensuring clarity and adherence to established scholarly conventions.
Tip 1: Consult the Source Directly: Always examine the physical copy of Lonely Animal or a reliable digital facsimile to gather accurate publication information. This ensures the most reliable data for constructing the citation.
Tip 2: Verify Author Name Spelling: Confirm the accurate spelling of “Oni Buchanan” as it appears on the title page. Variations or misspellings can hinder the ability of others to locate the work.
Tip 3: Italicize the Title: Lonely Animal, as a book title, should always be italicized in MLA style. This distinguishes it from other elements within the citation and ensures visual clarity.
Tip 4: Include Complete Publisher Information: Provide the full name of the publisher and the city of publication. This detail distinguishes different editions and aids in locating specific versions of the book.
Tip 5: Double-Check the Publication Year: Accurately record the publication year as it appears on the copyright page. This information helps identify specific editions and establishes the work’s historical context.
Tip 6: Specify the Medium: Indicate “Print” as the medium for physical copies of Lonely Animal. This differentiates the print version from other formats like e-books or audiobooks.
Tip 7: Refer to the MLA Handbook: Consult the latest edition of the MLA Handbook for definitive guidance on specific formatting questions or complex citation scenarios. This ensures adherence to current MLA style guidelines.
Consistent application of these tips ensures accurate and reliable citations for Lonely Animal, facilitating scholarly communication and upholding academic standards. Accurate citations contribute to a more robust and trustworthy research environment.
The following conclusion summarizes the importance of accurate citation and encourages continued engagement with best practices in scholarly work.
Conclusion
Accurate citation of Oni Buchanan’s Lonely Animal, as with any scholarly source, requires meticulous attention to detail. This exploration has highlighted the significance of each element within an MLA book citationauthor, title, publisher, publication year, and mediumand their combined role in facilitating accurate identification, retrieval, and scholarly engagement with the text. Precise formatting, including proper capitalization, italicization, and adherence to MLA guidelines, ensures clarity and consistency in scholarly communication. The potential for variations between editions necessitates careful verification of publication information, ideally through direct consultation of the source itself. Utilizing resources such as the MLA Handbook provides further guidance and reinforces the importance of adhering to established academic standards.
Accurate citation practices are not mere formalities; they represent a cornerstone of scholarly integrity. They enable researchers to build upon existing knowledge, trace the evolution of ideas, and engage in informed critical discourse. The meticulous construction of citations, as exemplified by the detailed exploration of citing Lonely Animal, upholds the principles of intellectual honesty and contributes to the overall rigor and reliability of academic scholarship. Continued engagement with best practices in citation ensures the responsible and ethical use of scholarly materials, fostering a robust and trustworthy research environment.
