What is a Running Header in MLA Format: A Journey Through the Labyrinth of Academic Writing

In the realm of academic writing, the Modern Language Association (MLA) format stands as a beacon of clarity and consistency. Among its many guidelines, the running header is a subtle yet crucial element that often goes unnoticed by the untrained eye. But what exactly is a running header in MLA format, and why does it matter? Let us embark on a journey through the labyrinth of academic writing to uncover the mysteries of this seemingly mundane feature.

The Essence of a Running Header

A running header, in the context of MLA format, is a concise line of text that appears at the top of every page of your document. It typically includes your last name followed by the page number, aligned to the right margin. This simple yet effective tool serves multiple purposes:

1. Identification: The running header helps readers quickly identify the author of the document, especially in printed or bound copies where pages might become separated.
2. Navigation: It aids in navigating through the document, allowing readers to easily locate specific pages.
3. Professionalism: Adhering to MLA guidelines, including the use of a running header, demonstrates a commitment to academic standards and professionalism.

Crafting the Perfect Running Header

Creating a running header in MLA format is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is key. Here’s how to do it:

1. Positioning: The running header should be placed in the upper right-hand corner of each page, half an inch from the top of the page and flush with the right margin.
2. Content: It should include your last name followed by a space and the page number. For example, “Smith 1”.
3. Font and Size: Use a legible font such as Times New Roman, size 12, which is standard for MLA formatting.
4. Consistency: Ensure that the running header appears on every page, including the first page, unless specified otherwise by your instructor or publication guidelines.

The Running Header in Context

While the running header may seem like a minor detail, its role in the broader context of MLA formatting is significant. It is part of a larger system designed to create uniformity and ease of reading across academic documents. Other elements of MLA formatting include:

• Margins: One-inch margins on all sides.
• Line Spacing: Double-spacing throughout the document.
• Indentation: The first line of each paragraph should be indented half an inch.
• Title: The title should be centered and not bolded, italicized, or underlined.
• Works Cited: A separate page listing all sources cited in the document, formatted according to MLA guidelines.

The Evolution of the Running Header

The concept of a running header is not unique to MLA format. It has evolved over time, influenced by various academic and publishing standards. In the early days of printed books, headers were used to indicate the title of the book or chapter, helping readers navigate through the text. As academic writing became more standardized, the running header adapted to include author names and page numbers, reflecting the need for clear identification and organization in scholarly works.

Common Misconceptions

Despite its simplicity, the running header is often misunderstood. Here are some common misconceptions:

1. It’s Optional: Some students believe that the running header is optional or only necessary for longer documents. In reality, it is a required element of MLA formatting, regardless of the document’s length.
2. It’s Only for Printed Documents: While the running header is particularly useful in printed documents, it is also important in digital formats, where it helps maintain consistency and professionalism.
3. It Can Include Additional Information: The running header should only include the author’s last name and the page number. Adding extra information, such as the title of the paper, is not in line with MLA guidelines.

The Running Header in Practice

To illustrate the importance of the running header, consider the following scenario: You are a student submitting a research paper to your professor. The paper is well-researched and well-written, but it lacks a running header. When your professor prints the document, the pages become mixed up, making it difficult to follow your argument. The absence of a running header not only disrupts the flow of reading but also reflects poorly on your attention to detail and adherence to academic standards.

Conclusion

In the grand tapestry of academic writing, the running header is a small but vital thread. It weaves together the elements of identification, navigation, and professionalism, creating a cohesive and polished document. By understanding and implementing the running header in MLA format, you demonstrate a commitment to excellence in your scholarly endeavors.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I use a different font for the running header? A: No, the running header should be in the same font and size as the rest of the document, typically Times New Roman, size 12.

Q: Should the running header appear on the first page? A: Yes, the running header should appear on every page, including the first page, unless your instructor or publication guidelines specify otherwise.

Q: What if my document has multiple authors? A: If your document has multiple authors, you can include the last names of all authors in the running header, separated by commas, followed by the page number. For example, “Smith, Johnson 1”.

Q: Can I include the title of my paper in the running header? A: No, the running header should only include your last name and the page number. Including the title is not in line with MLA guidelines.