Can I use an older (used and less expensive) version of the MLA, APA, or other style manual?
Generally not much changes from one edition of a handbook to the next. While the latest edition is best, an older edition can often be bought at a used book store or thrift store for only a dollar or two and may prove helpful to a degree. However, keep in mind that some of the few changes from an earlier edition may be significant. For example, the seventh edition of the MLA Handbook uses italics for titles of books and movies, whereas earlier editions used underlining for that purpose. If you are using an out-of-date edition, be careful, especially when it comes to new media such as Web sites, MP3 files, online video, and Tweets. If your research includes a medium like this, be sure to check the latest edition of the style manual.
