How to Cite a Poster in MLA Format

Researchers and students in the sciences and other fields often present their current research in posters, or poster sessions. Frequently held during conferences and under the auspices of large organizations, the poster session allows a researcher direct access to fellow scholars. The reseacher typically designs a large poster outlining the key points of his research and stands nearby to distribute a paper further detailing his research and to answer any questions the viewer of his poster might have. If your own research uses another researcher's poster as a source, document that source correctly. Follow the format of the Modern Language Association when you are citing a poster in MLA style.

Step 1

Write the last name first and first name last of the poster presenter separated by a comma and followed by a period. For example, write Blanche, Robert.

Step 2

Write the title of the poster you are citing in quotation marks, followed by a period.

For example, write Blanche, Robert. "Bipolar Staining in Gram-Negative Coccobacilli."

Step 3

Write the name of the meeting at which the poster was presented, followed by a period.

For example, write Blanche, Robert. "Bipolar Staining in Gram-Negative Coccobacilli." Medical Bacteriology Today.

Step 4

Write the name of the sponsoring organization, followed by a period.

For example, write Blanche, Robert. "Bipolar Staining in Gram-Negative Coccobacilli." Medical Bacteriology Today. American Bacteriology Society.

Step 5

Write the presenting location of the poster, followed by a period.

For example, write Blanche, Robert. "Bipolar Staining in Gram-Negative Coccobacilli." Medical Bacteriology Today. American Bacteriology Society. Hyatt Regency, Dallas."

Step 6

Write the day, month and year of the poster, followed by a period.

For example, write Blanche, Robert. "Bipolar Staining in Gram-Negative Coccobacilli." Medical Bacteriology Today. American Bacteriology Society. Hyatt Regency, Dallas. 11 Dec. 2007.

Step 7

Write "Poster presentation," followed by a period.

For example, write Blanche, Robert. "Bipolar Staining in Gram-Negative Coccobacilli." Medical Bacteriology Today. American Bacteriology Society. Hyatt Regency, Dallas. 11 Dec. 2007. Poster presentation.

Step 8

Write the name of the presenter enclosed within parentheses for an MLA style in-text citation.

For example: "Bipolar staining can be largely indicative in these situations (Blanche)."

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