Research Guides: MLA Citation Guide (8th Edition): When a Work Is Quoted in Another Source

Tips

Using Interlibrary Loan
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Google Scholar
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Works Quoted in Another Source

Sometimes an author of a book, article, or website will mention another person’s work by using a quotation or paraphrased idea from that source. (This may be called a secondary source.) For example, let's say you are reading a Kirkey article that includes a quotation by Smith that you would like to include in your essay.

If it is possible to retrieve the original source of the quotation (in this case, Smith), then verify the quote and cite the original source.
If you can't/don't access the original source, the basic rule is that in both your References list and in-text citation you will cite the source in which it is quoted (in this case, Kirkey). Do not list the original source if you have not read it.
- You will add the words “qtd. in” to your in-text citation. Examples below.

Examples of in-text citations:

According to a study by Smith (qtd. in Kirkey) 42% of doctors would refuse to perform legal euthanasia.

Smith (qtd. in Kirkey) states that “even if euthanasia was legal, 42% of doctors would be against this method of assisted dying” (A.10).

Example of Reference list citation:

Kirkey, Susan. "Euthanasia." The Montreal Gazette, 9 Feb. 2013, p. A.10. Canadian Newsstand Major Dailies.