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Difference Between Reference and Bibliography

reference vs bibliography

Reference and Bibliography is an important part of any project under study because it helps in acknowledging other’s work and also help the readers in finding the original sources of information. It not only prevents plagiarism but also indicates that the writer has done good research on the subject by using a variety of sources to gain information.

Read out the article to know the differences between reference and bibliography.

Content: Reference Vs Bibliography

Comparison chart, definition of reference.

Reference can be understood as the act of giving credit to or mentioning the name of, someone or something. In research methodology, it denotes the items which you have reviewed and referred to, in the text, in your research work. It is nothing but a way to acknowledge or indirectly showing gratitude, towards the sources from where the information is gathered.

While using references, one thing is to be noted that you go for reliable sources only, because it increases credence and also supports your arguments. It may include, books, research papers, or articles from magazines, journals, newspapers, etc., interview transcripts, internet sources such as websites, blogs, videos watched, and so forth.

These are used to inform the reader about the sources of direct quotations, tables, statistics, photos etc. that are included in the research work.

Definition of Bibliography

At the end of the research report, bibliography is added, which contains a list of books, magazines, journals, websites or other publications which are in some way relevant to the topic under study, that has been consulted by the researcher during the research. In finer terms, it comprises of all the references cited in the form of footnotes and other important works that the author has studied.

The bibliography is helpful to the reader in gaining information regarding the literature available on the topic and what influenced the author. For better presentation and convenient reading, the bibliography can be grouped into two parts, wherein the first part lists out the names of books and pamphlets consulted, and the other contains the names of magazines and newspapers considered.

Types of Bibliography

  • Bibliography of works cited : It contains the name of those books whose content has been cited in the text of the research report.
  • Selected Bibliography : As it is evident from the name itself, selected bibliography covers only those works which the author assumes that are of major interest to the reader.
  • Annotated Bibliography : In this type of bibliography, a small description of the items covered is given by the author to ensure readability and also improve the usefulness of the book.

Key Differences Between Reference and Bibliography

The difference between reference and bibliography can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

  • Reference implies referring to someone or something, that means it provides the list of sources, whose text is used in the assignment or research work. Conversely, bibliography represents the list of all the sources, from which the research has gained some information about the topic, irrespective of the work cited or not.
  • References are based on primary sources, whereas bibliography is created on the basis of primary and secondary sources.
  • References used in the assignment can be arranged alphabetically or numerically. On the contrary, list of sources used in the bibliography is arranged numerically.
  • The bibliography is used to list out everything you go through to obtain the information relating to the assignment, no matter if you specifically cite it in your assignment or not. Now coming to references, it only takes into account those sources which have been cited in the assignment.
  • The main objective of adding a reference at the end of the document is to improve credence or support an idea or argument. As against, the bibliography is not used for supporting an argument.
  • While reference is used in thesis and dissertation. On the other hand, bibliography is used in case of journal paper and research work.

To sum up, references and bibliography are almost same, but there are only subtle differences between the two, which lies in the items which are included in them. The primary use of references is to get recognition and authentication of the research work, whereas bibliography is appended with the aim of giving the reader the information on the sources relating to the topic.

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All of the descriptions and information about the “reference and bibliography” and the difference between them are useful for the readers. Since both terms are closely related, this is why both terms are sometimes confusing for some people. Thanks for the helpful explanations you have given about the two terms mentioned above.

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Home » Education » What is the Difference Between Bibliography and References

What is the Difference Between Bibliography and References

The main difference between bibliography and references is that references contain the sources that you have cited in your paper, whereas a bibliography includes all the sources that you have used for your paper, whether they are cited or not.

Both references and bibliographies appear at the end of a scholarly work and share the same information regarding a source of work. They help writers to avoid plagiarism and allow the readers to refer to the original sources and learn more information.

Key Areas Covered

1.  What is a Bibliography          – Definition, Features  2.  What are References      – Definition, Features 3.  Similarities Between Bibliography and References      – Outline of Common Features 4.  Difference Between Bibliography and References      – Comparison of Key Differences

Difference Between Bibliography and References - Comparison Summary

What is a Bibliography

A bibliography refers to a list of all of the sources you have studied in preparing your research work. A bibliography usually includes all the work you have used, whether they are referenced in in-text citations or not. Generally, a bibliography includes the authors’ names, the titles of the works, the names and locations of the institutes of publication, the dates on which the copies were published and the page numbers of your sources.

Compare Bibliography and References

An annotated bibliography , on the other hand, is an extended version of a bibliography where the bibliographic information includes a brief description of the content, quality, and the relevance of the source to your research work.

If you refer to any books or articles writing your paper, you need to include a bibliography in order to avoid plagiarism, even if you don’t name them or quote them directly inside the content. This would further benefit the readers who read your work, as the bibliography would allow them to track down the original source material for themselves.

What are References

A reference list usually consists of the details of all the sources cited within your paper. We usually arrange a reference list alphabetically, and if any work has no author, we usually cite the work by the title. In such cases, we include that reference item into the alphabetical list using the most significant term of the title.

Bibliography vs References

Just like in a bibliography, we usually arrange the reference list at the end of a particular scholarly work. We use commas to set apart each item of a particular reference. In cases where we refer to more than one scholarly work by the same author, we list such work chronologically, indicating the earliest publication first. Moreover, the way we list the source and its detail would slightly differ according to the citation style we are using. In addition, Chicago citation and Oxford citations are two popular citation styles we use to write bibliographies.

Similarities Between Bibliography and References

  • Both bibliography and references consist of entries arranged alphabetically by the author.
  • They include the same basic information.
  • Similar to a bibliography, a reference list is also generally placed at the end of a scholarly work.
  • Both bibliography and reference list aim to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to the original author/s.
  • Furthermore, both allow the readers to refer to the original sources.

Difference Between Bibliography and References

A bibliography is a list of references you have cited in a scholarly work and background readings or other material that you have read but not actually cited. A reference list, on the other hand, is a list of references you have cited in your work.

A reference list only contains sources you have directly cited in your paper. However, a bibliography consists of all the sources that you have used for your paper in addition to the sources cited in the paper.

Citation Styles

APA citations, MLA citations and AMA citations are common citation styles to write reference lists while Chicago citations and Oxford citations are two popular citation styles we use in bibliographies.

In brief, the main difference between a bibliography and references is that a reference list contains the sources which you have directly cited in writing your paper, while a bibliography includes all the sources that you have used for your paper, whether they are directly cited or not. However, both references and bibliographies appear at the end of a work, share the same information regarding a source of work and include alphabetically arranged citations.

1. “ Annotated Bibliographies .” Purdue Writing Lab. 2. “ Reference List: Basic Rules .” Purdue Writing Lab.

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1. “ Zoonoses: The Lethal Gifts of Livestock: Bibliography slide ” By ILRI (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) via Flickr 2. “ Reference list created from Wikidata ” By Egon Willighagen – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia

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About the Author: Anuradha

Anuradha has a BA degree in English, French, and Translation studies. She is currently reading for a Master's degree in Teaching English Literature in a Second Language Context. Her areas of interests include Arts and Literature, Language and Education, Nature and Animals, Cultures and Civilizations, Food, and Fashion.

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Citing Sources - References vs Bibliography

References and Bibliographies - What's the difference?

When you write academic papers, you will need to include a list of sources you used to write the paper. There are two main ways to list your sources, with a reference list or a bibliography.

References include sources that have been directly cited in your paper. For each source, you will have at least one in-text citation in the body of your paper. The citation styles that use reference lists include APA citations, AMA citations, and MLA citations.

Bibliographies, on the other hand, contain all the sources that you have used for your paper, whether they are directly cited or not. In a bibliography, you should include all of the materials you consulted in preparing your paper. Chicago citations and Oxford citations are two citation styles that use bibliographies.

Both reference lists and bibliographies appear at the end of a written work and are usually organized alphabetically. A paper can have both a reference list and a bibliography.

For more information on how to cite your sources, check out the De Paul Library's Citation Guide .

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What’s the Difference Between a Reference List and a Bibliography?

  • Posted on August 16, 2023

Two terms often come to the fore when researching and writing: reference list and bibliography. The difference between the bibliography and references may appear minimal. 

However, they serve distinct purposes. A reference list comprises items specifically supporting ideas referred to and cited within the main body of a paper. In contrast, a bibliography collects all works consulted during the research process, whether directly quoted or not. 

While the reference list vs. bibliography debate is subtle, understanding these terms is crucial for students, teachers, and literature professionals.

Differences: Reference Lists vs Bibliographies

Reference lists and bibliographies play pivotal roles in academic and professional writing. However, distinguishing between them is essential to maintain the integrity of one’s work and adequately credit sources. Here’s a breakdown of their fundamental differences:

Nature of Listing:

Reference List: Comprises sources that are directly cited within the content.

Bibliography: Encompasses all the sources referred to during the research, regardless of whether they are cited in the text.

Reference List: Ensures readers can locate the sources of information and ideas mentioned in the paper.

Bibliography: Offers readers an overview of the breadth and depth of the research conducted, including sources that may provide further reading.

Reference List: Appears at the end of the paper, following any in-text citations.

Bibliography: Typically found at the end of the document, sometimes with an accompanying annotation, known as an annotated bibliography.

Citation Style:

Reference List: Often follows specific citation styles such as APA (American Psychological Association), which has guidelines for listing references.

Bibliography: While it can also adhere to styles like APA, the listing may be more comprehensive, including works that don’t strictly adhere to a specific style guide.

Reference List: Common in research papers, journal articles, and other academic writings where direct citations are made.

Bibliography: Often used in broader research projects, thesis work, or books where the author wants to showcase their research journey.

When conducting academic or professional research, understanding the distinction between a bibliography and references is crucial. It’s not merely a matter of semantics, but of ensuring appropriate credit, demonstrating the breadth of research, and offering readers avenues to further explore subjects.

Whether following the APA style for citations, arranging an alphabetical list of sources, or compiling a comprehensive list in Harvard’s author-date system, the difference between a bibliography vs. endnotes or referencing remains integral to accountable, clear, and impactful writing.

Examples of Reference Lists and Bibliographies

Both reference lists and bibliographies are essential components of academic and research writing. They ensure the writer properly credits the sources they consulted or cited, allowing readers to explore the subject further. 

The format for each varies based on the citation style. Here, we’ll explore examples in the APA (American Psychological Association) style.

Reference List: APA Style

A reference list in APA style comprises all the sources directly cited within the paper’s content. It’s important to note that every in-text citation must have a corresponding complete reference in the reference list. Here’s a brief example:

Smith, J. (2019). The Impacts of Climate Change on Marine Life. Environmental Journal, 45(2), 23-45.

Miller, L., & Brown, R. (2020). Solar Energy: Future Prospects. Renewable Resources, 12(5), 15-29.

Green Technologies. (2018). Advancements in Renewable Energy. 

When citing a research paper, especially in multiple styles, using a guide like the one provided by us can be especially helpful.

Bibliography: APA Style

In contrast to the reference list, a bibliography in APA style will contain all the sources the writer referred to during their research process, regardless of whether they were directly cited in the main content. 

A bibliography might include additional readings or sources that offer more insight into the topic, even if they weren’t explicitly referenced in the paper. Here’s an example:

Green, A. (2017). The Role of Oceans in Climate Regulation. Oceanography Today, 10(3), 45-58.

Renewable Energy Hub. (2016). The Rise of Wind Energy. 

It’s noticeable that while the first two entries appear in the reference list and bibliography, the latter two are unique. They represent additional readings or consulted sources not directly cited in the paper.

Importance of Correct Citation

Maintaining precise citations, whether through the author-date system or referencing a list of references, signifies more than mere avoidance of plagiarism. It demonstrates the depth and thoroughness of the research conducted. In the New York publication manual, FAQs highlight the key differences in citation styles, including how to indent on a reference page. 

These tools guide researchers and keen readers in their quest to understand the subject more profoundly.

Furthermore, the format of both lists can vary widely depending on the chosen citation style. The examples above use the APA style, but there are various other styles, such as MLA and Chicago. Each has its unique set of rules regarding citation. Guides like ours  provide step-by-step instructions on adhering to each format accurately.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances and adhering to the correct format is essential to create a reference list or a bibliography. They ensure the credibility and authenticity of the work and provide a roadmap for those wishing to explore the topic further.

The Critical Role of Formatting in Citations

Formatting goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about ensuring clarity and consistency. When a researcher, student, or reader encounters a web page or literature review, having a systematically formatted works cited page or reference list entry aids comprehension. This is vital, as your piece might serve as the foundational literature for another’s research.

Moreover, correct formatting ensures every detail is in its proper spot. For instance, in the Modern Language Association style, headings are used to separate sections, helping readers identify specific parts of the content. This organized approach allows readers to pinpoint where they can find particular information effortlessly.

Diversifying Sources in Bibliographies

In the world of research, relying solely on one type of source can limit the depth of your analysis. Bibliographies, in particular, provide an excellent opportunity to showcase various sources, from books and peer-reviewed articles to reliable online sources and interviews. 

For instance, while *Smith (2019)* might provide a comprehensive study on marine life, a documentary or an expert interview could offer practical insights or real-world observations that complement the data from Smith’s analysis. 

By including diverse sources in your bibliography, you enhance the richness of your research and demonstrate a holistic approach to your investigation.

Potential Pitfalls in Creating Reference Lists and Bibliographies

While both reference lists and bibliographies are essential, they come with potential pitfalls that researchers must be wary of:

  • Incorrect Ordering : Especially in styles like APA, where alphabetical ordering is crucial, even a slight deviation can lead to mark deduction in academic settings.
  • Missing Information : Skipping crucial details like publication dates or page numbers can make it difficult for readers to trace back to the source.
  • Inconsistent Formatting : Using multiple citation styles in one document or not adhering to one type consistently can confuse readers.

These pitfalls can be avoided by regularly consulting citation guides, utilizing citation management tools, or referring to platforms like our Citation Generator or specific guidelines on diverse citation styles.

Deciphering the World of Citations

Navigating the intricate details of academic writing and research can be challenging, especially when understanding the nuanced differences between citations. However, understanding the difference between a bibliography and a reference list is paramount. 

While a reference list enumerates the sources you directly cited in your paper, a bibliography showcases every source you consulted during your research process. 

In today’s digital age, where information is abundant and easily accessible, maintaining the integrity of your research is vital. Avoiding plagiarism is not just about academic honesty; it’s about preserving the research community’s sanctity and recognizing fellow scholars’ hard work. 

Accidental plagiarism can happen, and it’s often a result of mismanaged citations or overlooking specific sources. Here at Quetext, our citation generator can be instrumental in ensuring your work is original and gives due credit. It streamlines the process, ensuring every source gets its rightful acknowledgment.

Moreover, familiarizing oneself with the various facets of plagiarism is equally critical. This understanding ensures you don’t unknowingly tread on dangerous grounds. For a deeper dive into recognizing and avoiding plagiarism in your research, visit this comprehensive guide on recognizing and avoiding plagiarism .

In conclusion, while the distinctions between bibliographies and reference lists may seem subtle, they are crucial in academic and professional writing. By mastering these differences and leveraging tools to maintain citation integrity, you fortify your work’s credibility and contribute meaningfully to the vast world of research and knowledge.

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  • Harvard Style Bibliography | Format & Examples

Harvard Style Bibliography | Format & Examples

Published on 1 May 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on 7 November 2022.

In Harvard style , the bibliography or reference list provides full references for the sources you used in your writing.

  • A reference list consists of entries corresponding to your in-text citations .
  • A bibliography sometimes also lists sources that you consulted for background research, but did not cite in your text.

The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. If in doubt about which to include, check with your instructor or department.

The information you include in a reference varies depending on the type of source, but it usually includes the author, date, and title of the work, followed by details of where it was published. You can automatically generate accurate references using our free reference generator:

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Table of contents

Formatting a harvard style bibliography, harvard reference examples, referencing sources with multiple authors, referencing sources with missing information, frequently asked questions about harvard bibliographies.

Sources are alphabetised by author last name. The heading ‘Reference list’ or ‘Bibliography’ appears at the top.

Each new source appears on a new line, and when an entry for a single source extends onto a second line, a hanging indent is used:

Harvard bibliography

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Reference list or bibliography entries always start with the author’s last name and initial, the publication date and the title of the source. The other information required varies depending on the source type. Formats and examples for the most common source types are given below.

  • Entire book
  • Book chapter
  • Translated book
  • Edition of a book

Journal articles

  • Print journal
  • Online-only journal with DOI
  • Online-only journal without DOI
  • General web page
  • Online article or blog
  • Social media post

Newspapers and magazines

  • Newspaper article
  • Magazine article

When a source has up to three authors, list all of them in the order their names appear on the source. If there are four or more, give only the first name followed by ‘ et al. ’:

Sometimes a source won’t list all the information you need for your reference. Here’s what to do when you don’t know the publication date or author of a source.

Some online sources, as well as historical documents, may lack a clear publication date. In these cases, you can replace the date in the reference list entry with the words ‘no date’. With online sources, you still include an access date at the end:

When a source doesn’t list an author, you can often list a corporate source as an author instead, as with ‘Scribbr’ in the above example. When that’s not possible, begin the entry with the title instead of the author:

Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference in meaning:

  • A reference list only includes sources cited in the text – every entry corresponds to an in-text citation .
  • A bibliography also includes other sources which were consulted during the research but not cited.

In Harvard referencing, up to three author names are included in an in-text citation or reference list entry. When there are four or more authors, include only the first, followed by ‘ et al. ’

In Harvard style referencing , to distinguish between two sources by the same author that were published in the same year, you add a different letter after the year for each source:

  • (Smith, 2019a)
  • (Smith, 2019b)

Add ‘a’ to the first one you cite, ‘b’ to the second, and so on. Do the same in your bibliography or reference list .

To create a hanging indent for your bibliography or reference list :

  • Highlight all the entries
  • Click on the arrow in the bottom-right corner of the ‘Paragraph’ tab in the top menu.
  • In the pop-up window, under ‘Special’ in the ‘Indentation’ section, use the drop-down menu to select ‘Hanging’.
  • Then close the window with ‘OK’.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2022, November 07). Harvard Style Bibliography | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 15 February 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/referencing/harvard-bibliography/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Jack Caulfield

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What is the difference between a reference list and a bibliography?

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The Difference between Bibliographies and Reference Pages

By Erin Wright

The Difference between Bibliographies and Reference Pages | Image of Tree-Shapped Bookshelf

First, let’s cover the similarities: Bibliographies and reference pages (also called reference lists and works cited lists) usually appear at the end of books after appendices but before the index. They occasionally appear at the end of chapters. In journals, they are found at the end of individual articles. Very few documents require both a bibliography and a reference page.

They are generally arranged alphabetically based on the source authors’ last names. Every formal source cited in your text should be included, although the rules for including informal sources (such as personal emails and letters) will depend on the style guide you’re following.

The primary difference between the two is depth: Reference pages only list the sources cited in the document, while bibliographies list all the sources cited in the document along with additional sources that you didn’t mention but still influenced your thought process or understanding of the subject matter.

For example, if you read an article that expanded your general knowledge of Norse mythology, but you don’t cite it in the book you’re writing about Odin, you could choose to list the article in a bibliography, but you wouldn’t list it in a reference page.

The purpose of listing uncited sources in bibliographies is to provide readers with extra information so that they can dig more deeply into the subject themselves and gain a deeper understanding of your point of view.

In fact, annotated bibliographies can include notes that explain why cited and uncited sources have been included.

Formatting varies by style guide : Each style guide has a distinct way of formatting bibliography and reference page entries (e.g., punctuation differences, capitalization differences, and structural differences for multi-author listings); therefore, you should refer to your preferred guide for instructions on how to create in-text citations and source entries.

Regardless of the differences in formatting, most guides recommend including the following basic elements in bibliography and reference page entries:

  • Author’s or editor’s last name (or organization name)
  • Author’s or editor’s first name or initial
  • Article or book title (followed by journal or magazine name if citing an article)
  • Publication date
  • Periodical name, volume number, and issue number (for articles)
  • Publisher and location (for books and other non-journalistic media)
  • Pages cited (if referring to specific passages or quoting text)
  • URL or Digital Object Identifier (for online sources)

Please note that if you’re following the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA style) for publication, you should only use reference pages unless instructed otherwise because the APA discourages its affiliated journals from using bibliographies.*

If you’re not sure which style guide to follow, check out my post “ Which Style Guide Is Best for You? ”

_____________________________

* Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , 7th ed. (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2020), 281.

Updated October 08, 2021

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Reference vs Bibliography: Difference and Comparison

A reference is a specific citation to a source within the text of a document. At the same time, a bibliography is a list of all the sources used or consulted when creating a document, placed at the end of the document.

Key Takeaways A reference is a citation of a specific source used in a research work, while a bibliography is a comprehensive list of sources consulted during the research process. References are included in the main body of a document, whereas bibliographies are separate sections found at the end. Using a reference indicates that the source was directly quoted or paraphrased, while a bibliography may include quotations that were not now cited but informed the research.

Reference vs Bibliography

A reference is a citation within a text that shows the date, author, and page number, and it appears right below the essay and before the bibliography of the writing. A bibliography is a list that contains different information of the publisher, and it is located below the reference.

Reference vs Bibliography

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What is reference.

A reference, in the context of academic and scholarly writing, is a specific citation to a source within the text of a document, paper, or publication. It acknowledges the source of specific information, ideas, quotations, or data that have been used or referenced in the document. References are essential for several reasons:

  • Credibility : References provide credibility to the claims, arguments, or statements made in the text. They show that the author has conducted research, consulted reliable sources, and built upon existing knowledge.
  • Verifiability : References allow readers to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the information presented. They provide a way for readers to access and examine the original source for further details or context.
  • Avoiding Plagiarism : Properly referencing sources helps authors avoid plagiarism by crediting the original creators of ideas, theories, or content. Plagiarism is a serious ethical and academic offense.
  • Supporting Arguments : References can be used to support arguments, provide evidence, or offer examples to strengthen the author’s position or claims.

In academic and research writing, proper referencing is a fundamental practice that upholds integrity, accuracy, and the responsible use of source material. It also helps readers trace the origins of information and engage in further research or scholarship.

reference

What is Bibliography?

A bibliography is a comprehensive list of all the sources, references, and works cited in a document, paper, or publication. It provides detailed information about each source used in the research or writing process, allowing readers to access and verify the cited materials. A bibliography appears at the end of a document, paper, or book and provides a valuable resource for further research and reference.

Key characteristics and information included in a bibliography consist of:

  • Author(s) : The names of the author or authors of the source.
  • Title : The source’s title, which may refer to a book, article, report, website, or other types of materials.
  • Publication Information : Details about where and when the source was published. This includes the name of the publisher, place of publication, publication date, and edition (if applicable).
  • Page Numbers : Page numbers or the specific location of the information within the source, especially when referencing specific sections or pages within a larger work.
  • URL (for online sources) : The bibliography may include the web address (URL) to provide a direct link to the source.
  • DOI (Digital Object Identifier) : If applicable, the DOI may be included as a permanent link to an online source.

The purpose of a bibliography is to:

  • Give Credit : Properly acknowledge and credit the original authors and creators of the sources used in the research or writing.
  • Verification : Enable readers to verify the information, data, or claims made in the document by referring to the original sources.
  • Further Research : Provide readers with a list of sources they can consult for further research.
  • Avoid Plagiarism : Demonstrate that the author has conducted research, cited sources, and avoided plagiarism by acknowledging the use of others’ work.

bibliography

Main Differences Between Reference and Bibliography

  • A reference is a specific citation to a source within the text of a document.
  • It is used to acknowledge the source of specific information, ideas, quotations, or data used in the text.
  • References provide immediate source information for specific statements or claims in the document.
  • A bibliography is a comprehensive list of all the sources, references, and works cited in a document.
  • It provides detailed information about each source, allowing readers to access and verify the cited materials.
  • A bibliography serves as a resource for further research and reference.
  • Contains brief details about a source, including the author’s name, publication year, and page number (if applicable).
  • Focuses on the specific information needed for in-text citation or footnote.
  • Includes comprehensive information about each source, including author(s), title, publication details (publisher, place, date), page numbers, and more.
  • Provides a complete bibliographic record of all sources used in the document.
  • References are placed within the body of the text, either as in-text citations or footnotes.
  • They provide immediate source information for specific statements or claims in the text.
  • A bibliography is placed at the end of a document, paper, or book.
  • It lists all the sources cited or consulted during the research or writing process.
  • References are formatted according to a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and follow consistent formatting rules.
  • The reference format is designed for in-text use and may include brief citations.
  • A bibliography is also formatted according to a specific citation style.
  • The format is more comprehensive and includes full bibliographic details for each source.
  • References are relatively short and contain only the essential information required for in-text citation.
  • Bibliographies are longer and provide extensive information about each source, making them more comprehensive.

Difference Between Reference and Bibliography

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Related Articles

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Write it Right - A guide to Harvard referencing style

  • Referencing
  • Referencing & Citing
  • Paraphrasing

The Reference List

Differences between a reference list and a bibliography, compiling your reference list or bibliography.

  • Elements in References
  • Journal articles
  • Online journals
  • Newspaper articles
  • Online newspapers
  • Internet sources
  • Government and legal publications
  • Patents and standards
  • Miscellaneous
  • The reference list is a detailed list of all the sources that you have cited within your work, including books, eBooks, journal articles, theses, webpages etc. 
  • Items are listed in alphabetical order in the reference list according to the main author/editor’s surname.
  • This means that regardless of the order in which the in-text citations appear within your work, these items are all listed alphabetically by author/editor in the reference list. 
  • This explains why the Harvard referencing style is also known as the ‘author-date’ style.
  • The reference list is an alphabetical list of all the sources that you cited in the text of your assignment. 
  • A bibliography is a separate list, presented in the same format as a reference list, however, it includes all the sources you consulted in the preparation of your assignment, not just those you cited. 
  • In other words, a bibliography presents the same items as a reference list, but it also includes references to all the additional research you carried out, so it shows your extra effort. 
  • All in-text references must be included in an alphabetical list, by author/editor’s surname, at the end of the work. As stated earlier, this is known as the reference list. A bibliography is a list of all works you used in preparation of the work, but which were not necessarily cited/referred to.
  • This list must not be numbered.
  • When there is no author/editor, use the title (book, journal, newspaper etc.)
  • References in your reference list must be a full description of the in–text citations.
  • If there is more than one publication by the same author, arrange the works in chronological order.
  • In your reference list/bibliography the following abbreviations are accepted:

- (ed.) editor  - (eds) editors  - col. column - comp(s). compiler/compilers - edn. edition - et al. and others - n.d. no knowledge of the date - no. number - par. paragraph - s.l. no place of publication - s.n. publisher unknown - vol. volume

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Citation Guide

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What is a Bibliography?

What is an annotated bibliography, introduction to the annotated bibliography.

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  • the authors' names
  • the titles of the works
  • the names and locations of the companies that published your copies of the sources
  • the dates your copies were published
  • the page numbers of your sources (if they are part of multi-source volumes)

Ok, so what's an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is the same as a bibliography with one important difference: in an annotated bibliography, the bibliographic information is followed by a brief description of the content, quality, and usefulness of the source. For more, see the section at the bottom of this page.

What are Footnotes?

Footnotes are notes placed at the bottom of a page. They cite references or comment on a designated part of the text above it. For example, say you want to add an interesting comment to a sentence you have written, but the comment is not directly related to the argument of your paragraph. In this case, you could add the symbol for a footnote. Then, at the bottom of the page you could reprint the symbol and insert your comment. Here is an example:

This is an illustration of a footnote. 1 The number “1” at the end of the previous sentence corresponds with the note below. See how it fits in the body of the text? 1 At the bottom of the page you can insert your comments about the sentence preceding the footnote.

When your reader comes across the footnote in the main text of your paper, he or she could look down at your comments right away, or else continue reading the paragraph and read your comments at the end. Because this makes it convenient for your reader, most citation styles require that you use either footnotes or endnotes in your paper. Some, however, allow you to make parenthetical references (author, date) in the body of your work.

Footnotes are not just for interesting comments, however. Sometimes they simply refer to relevant sources -- they let your reader know where certain material came from, or where they can look for other sources on the subject. To decide whether you should cite your sources in footnotes or in the body of your paper, you should ask your instructor or see our section on citation styles.

Where does the little footnote mark go?

Whenever possible, put the footnote at the end of a sentence, immediately following the period or whatever punctuation mark completes that sentence. Skip two spaces after the footnote before you begin the next sentence. If you must include the footnote in the middle of a sentence for the sake of clarity, or because the sentence has more than one footnote (try to avoid this!), try to put it at the end of the most relevant phrase, after a comma or other punctuation mark. Otherwise, put it right at the end of the most relevant word. If the footnote is not at the end of a sentence, skip only one space after it.

What's the difference between Footnotes and Endnotes?

The only real difference is placement -- footnotes appear at the bottom of the relevant page, while endnotes all appear at the end of your document. If you want your reader to read your notes right away, footnotes are more likely to get your reader's attention. Endnotes, on the other hand, are less intrusive and will not interrupt the flow of your paper.

If I cite sources in the Footnotes (or Endnotes), how's that different from a Bibliography?

Sometimes you may be asked to include these -- especially if you have used a parenthetical style of citation. A "works cited" page is a list of all the works from which you have borrowed material. Your reader may find this more convenient than footnotes or endnotes because he or she will not have to wade through all of the comments and other information in order to see the sources from which you drew your material. A "works consulted" page is a complement to a "works cited" page, listing all of the works you used, whether they were useful or not.

Isn't a "works consulted" page the same as a "bibliography," then?

Well, yes. The title is different because "works consulted" pages are meant to complement "works cited" pages, and bibliographies may list other relevant sources in addition to those mentioned in footnotes or endnotes. Choosing to title your bibliography "Works Consulted" or "Selected Bibliography" may help specify the relevance of the sources listed.

This information has been freely provided by plagiarism.org and can be reproduced without the need to obtain any further permission as long as the URL of the original article/information is cited. 

How Do I Cite Sources? (n.d.) Retrieved October 19, 2009, from http://www.plagiarism.org/plag_article_how_do_i_cite_sources.html

The Importance of an Annotated Bibliography

An Annotated Bibliography is a collection of annotated citations. These annotations contain your executive notes on a source. Use the annotated bibliography to help remind you of later of the important parts of an article or book. Putting the effort into making good notes will pay dividends when it comes to writing a paper!

Good Summary

Being an executive summary, the annotated citation should be fairly brief, usually no more than one page, double spaced.

  • Focus on summarizing the source in your own words.
  • Avoid direct quotations from the source, at least those longer than a few words. However, if you do quote, remember to use quotation marks. You don't want to forget later on what is your own summary and what is a direct quotation!
  • If an author uses a particular term or phrase that is important to the article, use that phrase within quotation marks. Remember that whenever you quote, you must explain the meaning and context of the quoted word or text. 

Common Elements of an Annotated Citation

  • Summary of an Article or Book's thesis or most important points (Usually two to four sentences)
  • Summary of a source's methodological approach. That is, what is the source? How does it go about proving its point(s)? Is it mostly opinion based? If it is a scholarly source, describe the research method (study, etc.) that the author used. (Usually two to five sentences)
  • Your own notes and observations on the source beyond the summary. Include your initial analysis here. For example, how will you use this source? Perhaps you would write something like, "I will use this source to support my point about . . . "
  • Formatting Annotated Bibliographies This guide from Purdue OWL provides examples of an annotated citation in MLA and APA formats.

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Creating a Chicago Style Bibliography | Format & Examples

Published on September 23, 2019 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 5, 2022.

A Chicago style bibliography lists the sources cited in your text. Each bibliography entry begins with the author’s name and the title of the source, followed by relevant publication details. The bibliography is alphabetized by authors’ last names.

A bibliography is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended for all but very short papers. It gives your reader an overview of all your sources in one place. Check with your instructor if you’re not sure whether you need a bibliography.

Creating a Chicago Style Bibliography

Always make sure to pay attention to punctuation (e.g., commas , quotation marks , parentheses ) in your citations.

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Table of contents

Chicago style bibliography examples, formatting the bibliography page, author names in the bibliography, bibliography vs reference list, frequently asked questions about the chicago bibliography.

Bibliography entries vary in format depending on the type of source . Templates and examples for the most common source types are shown below.

  • Book chapter
  • Journal article
  • The edition is always abbreviated (e.g. 2nd ed. or rev. ed.).
  • Only include the URL for books you consulted online.
  • Use this format to cite a chapter in a multi-authored book. If all the chapters in a book were written by the same person, reference the whole book.
  • Begin the citation with the author of the chapter. The editor who compiled the book is listed later.
  • The page range identifies the location of the article within the journal issue.
  • For articles accessed online, include a DOI (digital object identifier) where available, and a URL if not.
  • If the author is unknown, list the organization or website name as author, and don’t repeat it later in the citation.
  • If no publication date is listed, include an access date instead.
  • The website name is not italicized, unless it is an online version of a newspaper or magazine .

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The bibliography appears at the end of your text. The heading Bibliography is bolded and centred at the top of the page.

Unlike the rest of a Chicago format paper, the bibliography is not double-spaced. However, add a single line space between entries.

If a bibliography entry extends onto more than one line, subsequent lines should be indented ( hanging indent ), as seen in the example below. This helps the reader to see at a glance where each new entry begins.

Example of a Chicago Bibliography

There are further guidelines for formatting a Chicago style annotated bibliography , in which you write a paragraph of summary and source evaluation under each source.

Author names in the bibliography are inverted: The last name comes first, then the first name(s). Sources are alphabetized by author last name.

If a source has no named author, alphabetize by the first word of the title or organization name that starts the entry. Ignore articles (“the,” “a,” and “an”) for the purposes of alphabetization.

Sources with multiple authors

For sources with more than one author, only the first author’s name is inverted; subsequent names are written in the normal order.

For texts with up to 10 authors, all the authors’ names should be listed in the order they appear in the source, separated by commas .

If there are more than 10 authors, list the first seven, followed by “ et al. ”

Multiple sources by the same author

If you include multiple works from the same author, only include the author name in the first entry. In subsequent entries, replace the name with three em dashes , followed by the rest of the citation formatted as normal. List the entries in alphabetical order by title.

A reference list is mandatory in Chicago author-date style , where you cite sources in parentheses in the text. The only differences between a Chicago bibliography and a reference list are the heading and the placement of the date.

The reference list is headed “References.” In reference list entries, the publication date is placed immediately after the author’s name. This allows the reader to easily find a reference on the basis of the corresponding in-text citation.

bibliography is same as reference

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In a Chicago style footnote , list up to three authors. If there are more than three, name only the first author, followed by “ et al. “

In the bibliography , list up to 10 authors. If there are more than 10, list the first seven followed by “et al.”

The same rules apply in Chicago author-date style .

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

In a Chicago footnote citation , when the author of a source is unknown (as is often the case with websites ), start the citation with the title in a full note. In short notes and bibliography entries, list the organization that published it as the author.

In Chicago author-date style , treat the organization as author in your in-text citations and reference list.

When an online source does not list a publication date, replace it with an access date in your Chicago footnotes and your bibliography :

If you are using author-date in-text citations , or if the source was not accessed online, replace the date with “n.d.”

  • A reference list is used with Chicago author-date citations .
  • A bibliography is used with Chicago footnote citations .

Both present the exact same information; the only difference is the placement of the year in source citations:

  • In a reference list entry, the publication year appears directly after the author’s name.
  • In a bibliography entry, the year appears near the end of the entry (the exact placement depends on the source type).

There are also other types of bibliography that work as stand-alone texts, such as a Chicago annotated bibliography .

In Chicago author-date style , your text must include a reference list . It appears at the end of your paper and gives full details of every source you cited.

In notes and bibliography style, you use Chicago style footnotes to cite sources; a bibliography is optional but recommended. If you don’t include one, be sure to use a full note for the first citation of each source.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2022, December 05). Creating a Chicago Style Bibliography | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/chicago-style/bibliography/

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Difference Between Bibliography and References

• Categorized under Language | Difference Between Bibliography and References

bibliography

People most of the time do not think that there is any difference between bibliography and references. They often mistake the two to be the same. However, they are different and used in different contexts with each essay or article or book.

Bibliography is listing all the materials that have been consulted while writing an essay or a book. References, on the other hand, are those that have been referenced in your article or book.

You might have consulted a lot of books, essays and websites for writing something. Though you might have referred to these while preparing a write up, the content of these might not have been included in the actual text. This is what refers to bibliography. References are those that are directly included in your actual text.

While references are cited directly in the text, bibliography is not cited directly in the text. While references can be used to support your statement or argument, a bibliography does not have such roles. As such references are used for establishing something in a more authoritative way. Readers could refer your references and evaluate the correctness of your statement. Meanwhile, bibliography does not support your argument but you only refer them in a personal way.

A bibliography will contain all research materials, including books, magazines , periodicals, websites and scientific papers, which you have referred. References contain source of material like quotes or texts, which has been actually used when writing an essay or book.

Both bibliography and references appear at the end of a document. But bibliography comes after the reference list. A bibliography may contain all those that have appeared in the reference list but it may also contain additional works.

Both bibliography and references are arranged alphabetically. But a Reference list can also be arranged in Numeric style, which means arranging the references according to the numbers in the text.

While writing a bibliography, you should have to include the authors last and first name, year of publication, name of the book, publication place and name of publishers. Well, a reference page can be called as a footnote where your just write the book or website and the year of publication or the date when you looked at the website.

Summary 1.Bibliography is listing all the materials that have been consulted while writing an essay or a book. References, on the other hand, are those that have been referenced in your article or book. 2.Bibliography is not directly included in the text. References are those that are directly included in your actual text. 3.Both bibliography and references are arranged alphabetically. But a Reference list can also be arranged in Numeric style,

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Cite APA 7 S, P. (2016, June 8). Difference Between Bibliography and References. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-bibliography-and-references/. MLA 8 S, Prabhat. "Difference Between Bibliography and References." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 8 June, 2016, http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-bibliography-and-references/.

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Harvard Guide to Using Sources 

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  • Bibliography

If you are using Chicago style footnotes or endnotes, you should include a bibliography at the end of your paper that provides complete citation information for all of the sources you cite in your paper. Bibliography entries are formatted differently from notes. For bibliography entries, you list the sources alphabetically by last name, so you will list the last name of the author or creator first in each entry. You should single-space within a bibliography entry and double-space between them. When an entry goes longer than one line, use a hanging indent of .5 inches for subsequent lines. Here’s a link to a sample bibliography that shows layout and spacing . You can find a sample of note format here .

Complete note vs. shortened note

Here’s an example of a complete note and a shortened version of a note for a book:

1. Karen Ho, Liquidated: An Ethnography of Wall Street (Durham: Duke University Press, 2009), 27-35.

1. Karen Ho, Liquidated , 27-35.

Note vs. Bibliography entry

The bibliography entry that corresponds with each note is very similar to the longer version of the note, except that the author’s last and first name are reversed in the bibliography entry. To see differences between note and bibliography entries for different types of sources, check this section of the Chicago Manual of Style .

For Liquidated , the bibliography entry would look like this:

Ho, Karen, Liquidated: An Ethnography of Wall Street . Durham: Duke University Press, 2009.

Citing a source with two or three authors

If you are citing a source with two or three authors, list their names in your note in the order they appear in the original source. In the bibliography, invert only the name of the first author and use “and” before the last named author.

1. Melissa Borja and Jacob Gibson, “Internationalism with Evangelical Characteristics: The Case of Evangelical Responses to Southeast Asian Refugees,” The Review of Faith & International Affairs 17, no. 3 (2019): 80-81, https://doi.org/10.1080/15570274.2019.1643983 .

Shortened note:

1. Borja and Gibson, “Internationalism with Evangelical Characteristics,” 80-81.

Bibliography:

Borja, Melissa, and Jacob Gibson. “Internationalism with Evangelical Characteristics: The Case of Evangelical Responses to Southeast Asian Refugees.” The Review of Faith & International Affairs 17. no. 3 (2019): 80–93. https://doi.org/10.1080/15570274.2019.1643983 .

Citing a source with more than three authors

If you are citing a source with more than three authors, include all of them in the bibliography, but only include the first one in the note, followed by et al. ( et al. is the shortened form of the Latin et alia , which means “and others”).

1. Justine M. Nagurney, et al., “Risk Factors for Disability After Emergency Department Discharge in Older Adults,” Academic Emergency Medicine 27, no. 12 (2020): 1271.

Short version of note:

1. Justine M. Nagurney, et al., “Risk Factors for Disability,” 1271.

Nagurney, Justine M., Ling Han, Linda Leo‐Summers, Heather G. Allore, Thomas M. Gill, and Ula Hwang. “Risk Factors for Disability After Emergency Department Discharge in Older Adults.” Academic Emergency Medicine 27, no. 12 (2020): 1270–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.14088 .

Citing a book consulted online

If you are citing a book you consulted online, you should include a URL, DOI, or the name of the database where you found the book.

1. Karen Ho, Liquidated: An Ethnography of Wall Street (Durham: Duke University Press, 2009), 27-35, https://doi-org.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/10.1215/9780822391371 .

Bibliography entry:

Ho, Karen. Liquidated: An Ethnography of Wall Street . Durham: Duke University Press, 2009. https://doi-org.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/10.1215/9780822391371 .

Citing an e-book consulted outside of a database

If you are citing an e-book that you accessed outside of a database, you should indicate the format. If you read the book in a format without fixed page numbers (like Kindle, for example), you should not include the page numbers that you saw as you read. Instead, include chapter or section numbers, if possible.

1. Karen Ho, Liquidated: An Ethnography of Wall Street (Durham: Duke University Press, 2009), chap. 2, Kindle.

Ho, Karen. Liquidated: An Ethnography of Wall Street . Durham: Duke University Press, 2009. Kindle.

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Reference List: Basic Rules

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This resourse, revised according to the 7 th  edition APA Publication Manual, offers basic guidelines for formatting the reference list at the end of a standard APA research paper. Most sources follow fairly straightforward rules. However, because sources obtained from academic journals  carry special weight in research writing, these sources are subject to special rules . Thus, this page presents basic guidelines for citing academic journals separate from its "ordinary" basic guidelines. This distinction is made clear below.

Note:  Because the information on this page pertains to virtually all citations, we've highlighted one important difference between APA 6 and APA 7 with an underlined note written in red.  For more information, please consult the   Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , (7 th  ed.).

Formatting a Reference List

Your reference list should appear at the end of your paper. It provides the information necessary for a reader to locate and retrieve any source you cite in the body of the paper. Each source you cite in the paper must appear in your reference list; likewise, each entry in the reference list must be cited in your text.

Your references should begin on a new page separate from the text of the essay; label this page "References" in bold, centered at the top of the page (do NOT underline or use quotation marks for the title). All text should be double-spaced just like the rest of your essay.

Basic Rules for Most Sources

  • All lines after the first line of each entry in your reference list should be indented one-half inch from the left margin. This is called hanging indentation.
  • All authors' names should be inverted (i.e., last names should be provided first).
  • For example, the reference entry for a source written by Jane Marie Smith would begin with "Smith, J. M."
  • If a middle name isn't available, just initialize the author's first name: "Smith, J."
  • Give the last name and first/middle initials for all authors of a particular work up to and including 20 authors ( this is a new rule, as APA 6 only required the first six authors ). Separate each author’s initials from the next author in the list with a comma. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. If there are 21 or more authors, use an ellipsis (but no ampersand) after the 19th author, and then add the final author’s name.
  • Reference list entries should be alphabetized by the last name of the first author of each work.
  • For multiple articles by the same author, or authors listed in the same order, list the entries in chronological order, from earliest to most recent.
  • Note again that the titles of academic journals are subject to special rules. See section below.
  • Italicize titles of longer works (e.g., books, edited collections, names of newspapers, and so on).
  • Do not italicize, underline, or put quotes around the titles of shorter works such as chapters in books or essays in edited collections.

Basic Rules for Articles in Academic Journals

  • Present journal titles in full.
  • Italicize journal titles.
  • For example, you should use  PhiloSOPHIA  instead of  Philosophia,  or  Past & Present   instead of  Past and Present.
  • This distinction is based on the type of source being cited. Academic journal titles have all major words capitalized, while other sources' titles do not.
  • Capitalize   the first word of the titles and subtitles of   journal articles , as well as the   first word after a colon or a dash in the title, and   any proper nouns .
  • Do not italicize or underline the article title.
  • Deep blue: The mysteries of the Marianas Trench.
  • Oceanographic Study: A Peer-Reviewed Publication

Please note:  While the APA manual provides examples of how to cite common types of sources, it does not cover all conceivable sources. If you must cite a source that APA does not address, the APA suggests finding an example that is similar to your source and using that format. For more information, see page 282 of the   Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , 7 th  ed.

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Harvard: Reference List and Bibliography

A version of the Harvard (author-date) System of referencing has been adopted as the standard for the presentation of academic text at the University of Birmingham.  The examples on this page refer to this version, as found on the  Cite Them Right Online  website.  For detailed guides on how to reference and cite different sources see the right-hand side panel. 

How to list your references

In the Harvard (author-date) System the list of references is arranged alphabetically by author's surname, year (and letter, if necessary) and is placed at the end of the work.

A reference list is the detailed list of references that are cited in your work.   A bibliography is a detailed list of references cited in your work, plus the background readings or other material that you may have read, but not actually cited.  Different courses may require just a reference list, just a bibliography, or even both.  It is better to check with your tutor first.

Example of a reference list

Banerjee, A. and Watson, T.F. (2011)  Pickard’s manual of operative dentistry.  9th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

Davidson, A. (2013) ‘The Saudi Marathon Man’,  The New Yorker,  16 April. Available at: http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-saudi-marathon-man (Accessed: 22 June 2015).

Guy, J. (2001)  The view across the river: Harriette Colenso and the Zulu struggle against imperialism.  Charlottesville, Virginia: University Press of Virginia.

Hislop, V. (2014)  The sunrise.  Available at  http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindlestore  (Downloaded: 17 June 2015).

Homer (1997)  The Iliad.  Translated by J. Davies. Introduction and notes by D. Wright. London: Dover Publications.

Knapik, J. J., Cosio-Lima, L. M., and Reynolds, K. L. (2015) ‘Efficacy of functional movement screening for predicting injuries in coast guard cadets’,  The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research , 29 (5), pp. 1157-1162.  EDUC 1028: E-learning.  Available at:  http://intranet.bir.ac.uk  (Accessed: 25 June 2015).

Lucas, G. (2004)  The wonders of the Universe.  2nd edn. Edited by Frederick Jones, James Smith and Tony Bradley. London: Smiths.

Medicine in old age  (1985) 2nd edn. London: British Medical Association.

‘Rush (band)’ (2015)  Wikipedia.  Available at  https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Rush_(band)  (Accessed: 18 June 2015).

Example of a bibliography

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (1994)  Epi Info  (Version 6) [Computer program]. Available at  http://www.cdcp.com/download.html  (Accessed: 23 June 2015).

Gregory, S. (1970)  English military intervention in the Dutch revolt.  B.A. Thesis. University of Birmingham. Available at:  http://findit.bham.ac.uk/  (Accessed: 18 June 2015).

Jones, B., (1997) Methods in tumour research.  National Agency for Tumour Research,  volume. 7.

Peart, N. (1976)  Something for Nothing.  Toronto: Toronto Sound Studios.

Rush (2015) [Bishopthorpe Social Club. 29 March].

The University of Birmingham (2010)  The University of Birmingham experience.  Available at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLxV5L6IaFA  (Accessed: 18 June 2015).

Style notes

  • The date of publication always follows the author(s) name(s).
  • All authors’/editors’ names are given in the reference list (not matter how many there are).
  • If submitting a manuscript for publication, formatting conventions may be stipulated by the publisher. Always check with the publisher before submitting your work. 

Further help

  • If in doubt, consult the  Cite Them Right Online  website.

 Style guides

  • Harvard Referencing Quick Guide 
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APA Style (7th ed.): Citation Guide

  • Getting Started with APA

Formatting a Paper in APA

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APA Basic Formatting Rules for Student Papers

The following guidelines are the basic formatting rules outlined in the  APA Publication Manual  7th edition. If your instructor sets different requirements, always use your instructor's guidelines first.

  • clearly legible, regular-sized font
  • recommendations: 12pt Times New Roman, 11pt Arial, 11pt Calibri, 10pt Lucida Sans Unicode, 11pt Georgia
  • double spaced throughout all parts of the paper including title, headings, and footnotes
  • 1-inch margins on all sides
  • Indent the first line of each paragraph by 1/2-inch (tab)
  • left-justified for the body of the paper

Running Head & Page Numbers:

  • not required to include shortened version of the title for student papers- unless requested by your instructor
  • include the page number in the top right corner of all pages

APA Title Page for Student Papers

Page number:.

  • include the page number in the top right margin. (It will be 1 for the Title Page. Continue numbering throughout the paper and References page.)

Heading about a 1/3 of the way down the page:

  • Paper Title : bold, centered
  • Author : your name
  • Institutional Affiliation : Lone Star College- Online
  • Course : your course number and the name of the course (ex. PSYC 2301: General Psychology)
  • Instructor : your instructor's name (ex- Prof. Jane Smith)
  • Due Date:  Month day, year format (ex- January 1, 2024)

APA Headings within the Body of the Paper

Paper title:.

  • include on the first line of the first page of the body of your paper
  • bold and centered

Headings and Sub-headings (use when needed)

  • APA uses a hierarchy of five levels for headings within the paper
  • short paper may not need headings at all

References Page Formatting

The following guidelines are the basic formatting rules outlined in the APA Publication Manual  7th edition. If your instructor sets different requirements, always use your instructor's guidelines first.

  • needs to start on a new page following the end of your paper
  • include the title References centered on the first line of the page
  • everything after the title is left-justified
  • listed in alphabetical order by the first part of the citation (usually the author)
  • double spaced throughout all parts
  • Each citation should have a hanging indent- or it should start at the left margin and then have all lines after it indented by 1/2-inch

Click on the information circles for tips on how to use Microsoft Word to format your paper in APA Style.

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Chicago 17th (A) Notes and Bibliography

Note citation.

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  • Referencing home
  • These citations are usually written as footnotes, rather than endnotes.
  • The first part of a footnote citation is a superscript reference number. These reference numbers begin at 1 and continue consecutively. Always position reference numbers after punctuation. 
  • The superscript reference numbers correspond to numbered notes at the bottom of each page, where you write out the reference details.
  • Word processing software generally has an automatic note tool that generates the reference numbers, and if you rearrange the text, the notes automatically follow. 
  • The first time you cite a source, the note includes the full details (following the rule for that specific type of resource). When you cite the same source again, you use shortened notes that only include the author’s surname and the short title.
  • For quotations and references to specific passages include page numbers in both the first note and subsequent shortened note.

Reference number

Example .

“The way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe.” 1

1. John Berger,  Ways of Seeing  (London: Penguin, 1972), 8.

  • If you cannot find a date for a print resource, you can use n.d. instead (for 'no date'). If you cannot find a date for a digital resource, use the access date instead. 
  • If there is no author on the resource, you can usually cite the title or an organisation in the place of an author.
  • You can omit other parts of a reference if the information is not available.
  • The Chicago Manual of Style  does not require that access dates are always included in references to formally published online sources. However, students may be required to do so for their assessments, always check your instructions.
  • Usually, notes aren’t included in an assignment word count. 

Multiple authors and multiple references

  • For resources with multiple authors; list the authors in the same order as they appear, which may not necessarily be alphabetical order. 
  • For resources with four or more authors, list only the first author and then 'et al.'
  • Multiple resources cited in one footnote can be separated by semicolons. They must appear in the same order as the text material to which they relate.
  • You can see examples on each resource page (e.g. books, journal articles).
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Politics | Baltimore mayoral candidate Sheila Dixon…

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Politics | Baltimore mayoral candidate Sheila Dixon criticizes meager use of citation docket, says ‘heads would roll’ if she was mayor

Former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon talks to reporters in 2022 about why she endorsed Democratic candidate Ivan Bates for Baltimore State's Attorney. File. (Kevin Richardson/Baltimore Sun)

Baltimore mayoral candidate Sheila Dixon condemned the low number of citations issued by the Baltimore Police Department under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Scott, saying during a news conference Friday that “heads would roll” if she was mayor.

Dixon’s comments came in response to a meeting of the Baltimore City Council’s Public Safety and Government Operations Committee on Wednesday where the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office said only 37 citations written by Baltimore Police have made it to a citation docket since its July launch.

The docket is an initiative of State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, who called for law enforcement to issue criminal citations to people for low-level offenses, such as loitering, drinking in public and drug possession. Those who receive citations are required to report to a special docket, hosted once monthly in three of the city’s four District Court locations, where prosecutors are supposed to offer community service in lieu of prosecution.

The program marks a departure from Bates’ predecessor, Marilyn Mosby, who discontinued the prosecutions of low-level offenses .

Patricia Deros with the state’s attorney’s office said Wednesday that Baltimore Police internally rejected 68 citations issued between July and December because they weren’t written sufficiently, meaning roughly half the citations issued by city police did not make it to the citation docket.

Dixon, a Democrat who campaigned for Bates, said the low use of the citation docket shows the Scott administration has “no concern” for quality-of-life crimes. She pledged to become a “true partner” to the state’s attorney if elected and estimated that at least 15-20 citations should be written weekly by the department.

“Everywhere I go in the entire city, every community, every neighborhood, it’s about the quality-of life-crimes that are happening in our neighborhoods and communities,” Dixon said.

Dixon, who served as the city’s mayor from 2007 to 2010 before being forced from office by a scandal, is running to reclaim her seat. Scott, the city’s mayor since 2020, is seeking reelection . They will face Democrats Thiru Vignarajah , Robert Wallace and several lesser-known candidates in the May 14 primary.

The City Council also learned Wednesday that Baltimore Police had not responded to an offer from the state’s attorney’s office to train police on the issuance of citations. Deputy Commissioner Monique Brown said it had been an “educational process” and noted that the department hadn’t written citations for a long time. Deputy Commissioner Kevin Jones added that the agency had put out electronic training on citations, created “placards” with best practices for frequently used citation offenses and was sending notice to officers and their supervisors when citations are rejected.

Brown said the citations are a “tool” for officers, but verbal warnings prior to citations can sometimes resolve the issues taking place, she said. The Central District issued more than 757 warnings in downtown and Fells Point in 2023, Brown said. Data on other districts wasn’t immediately available.

Dixon said Friday she doesn’t believe the warnings have been effective, citing several instances in which she has seen people loitering in the city.

“The police department needs to step up, they need to get trained property to understand what it takes and then get out there and start providing citations,” Dixon said.

Dixon stopped short, however, of explaining which “heads” would “roll” if she were to be elected. She said she would not discuss personnel changes and would not say whether she would cut ties with Commissioner Richard Worley, who was appointed by Scott last year.

Scott’s campaign manager Nick Machado called Dixon’s concerns about the citation docket “feigned.”

“Sheila Dixon again confirmed she wants to take Baltimore City back to the failed broken crime policies of the past, including zero-tolerance policing which terrorized Black communities,” Machado said.

Shortly after taking office in 2007, Dixon appointed a police commissioner from within the department who emphasized targeted arrests of violent shooters, a shift from the zero-tolerance policies of her predecessor Martin O’Malley.

“Mayor Scott has achieved what Sheila Dixon never could,” Machado said. “He’s proven that we can have record reductions in violent crime without terrorizing Black communities through mass arrests.”

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IMAGES

  1. What is the Difference Between Bibliography and References

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  2. What is the Difference Between Bibliography and References

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  3. Difference Between Reference and Bibliography

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  4. APA Reference Page Examples and Format Guide

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  5. What is the Difference Between Bibliography and References

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  6. Differences Between Reference and Bibliography

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VIDEO

  1. Types of Reference Sources in Dictionaries, Bibliography, and Directories

  2. Citation & Bibliography Tools

  3. How to write Bibliography

  4. How to write bibliography

  5. How to write References, Citations & Bibliography in Thesis/Dissertation

  6. Annotated Bibliography

COMMENTS

  1. Difference Between Reference and Bibliography (with Comparison Chart

    References are based on primary sources, whereas bibliography is created on the basis of primary and secondary sources. References used in the assignment can be arranged alphabetically or numerically. On the contrary, list of sources used in the bibliography is arranged numerically.

  2. Reference Page vs. Bibliography: What's the Difference?

    Reference page versus bibliography: These two terms are often mixed up or used interchangeably, leading many students, researchers, and academic authors to wonder, what's the difference? Below, we explain what each is and show that, despite their differences, the two have plenty in common. Cite your sources with confidence

  3. What is the Difference Between Bibliography and References

    September 22, 2021 by Anuradha 4 min read The main difference between bibliography and references is that references contain the sources that you have cited in your paper, whereas a bibliography includes all the sources that you have used for your paper, whether they are cited or not.

  4. References vs Bibliography

    References and Bibliographies - What's the difference? When you write academic papers, you will need to include a list of sources you used to write the paper. There are two main ways to list your sources, with a reference list or a bibliography. References include sources that have been directly cited in your paper.

  5. Reference lists versus bibliographies

    A reference list contains works that specifically support the ideas, claims, and concepts in a paper; in contrast, a bibliography provides works for background or further reading and may include descriptive notes (e.g., an annotated bibliography).

  6. What's the Difference Between a Reference List and a Bibliography

    Reference List: Comprises sources that are directly cited within the content. Bibliography: Encompasses all the sources referred to during the research, regardless of whether they are cited in the text. Purpose: Reference List: Ensures readers can locate the sources of information and ideas mentioned in the paper.

  7. Reference List or Bibliography: What's the Difference?

    A reference list and a bibliography look a lot alike: They're both composed of entries arranged alphabetically by author, for example, and they include the same basic information. The difference lies not so much in how they look as in what they contain.

  8. What's the difference between a bibliography and a reference list?

    What's the difference between a bibliography and a reference list? Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference in meaning: A reference list only includes sources cited in the text - every entry corresponds to an in-text citation.

  9. Understanding Citations vs. References

    An in-text citation matches up to a source citation in your reference list, works cited or bibliography References refer to the sources listed within a reference list Now that you know the basics, examine each one in a bit more detail. In-Text Citations All the different styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard) include an in-text citation.

  10. Harvard Style Bibliography

    Formatting a Harvard style bibliography. Sources are alphabetised by author last name. The heading 'Reference list' or 'Bibliography' appears at the top. Each new source appears on a new line, and when an entry for a single source extends onto a second line, a hanging indent is used: Harvard bibliography example.

  11. What is the difference between a reference list and a bibliography?

    A reference list is used with in-text referencing styles (e.g. APA ). It includes the details of all the cited sources in alphabetical order by family name. A bibliography is used with footnote referencing styles (eg. Chicago A ). It includes all the sources referred to and particularly relevant sources, even if they haven't been referred to ...

  12. The Difference between Bibliographies and Reference Pages

    The primary difference between the two is depth: Reference pages only list the sources cited in the document, while bibliographies list all the sources cited in the document along with additional sources that you didn't mention but still influenced your thought process or understanding of the subject matter.

  13. Reference vs Bibliography: Difference and Comparison

    A reference is a citation of a specific source used in a research work, while a bibliography is a comprehensive list of sources consulted during the research process. References are included in the main body of a document, whereas bibliographies are separate sections found at the end.

  14. Works Cited vs. Bibliography vs. APA References

    What's the difference for a bibliography vs. reference lists? Knowing the answer for what citation format to use comes down to the topic and whether your paper is MLA, APA or Chicago style. Using this knowledge, learn if you should use a bibliography vs. works cited or APA references. Using MLA Works Cited

  15. Reference List & Bibliography

    References in your reference list must be a full description of the in-text citations. If there is more than one publication by the same author, arrange the works in chronological order. In your reference list/bibliography the following abbreviations are accepted: - (ed.) editor - (eds) editors - col. column - comp(s). compiler/compilers

  16. What is a Bibliography?

    They cite references or comment on a designated part of the text above it. For example, say you want to add an interesting comment to a sentence you have written, but the comment is not directly related to the argument of your paragraph. In this case, you could add the symbol for a footnote.

  17. Creating a Chicago Style Bibliography

    Both present the exact same information; the only difference is the placement of the year in source citations: In a reference list entry, the publication year appears directly after the author's name. In a bibliography entry, the year appears near the end of the entry (the exact placement depends on the source type).

  18. Difference Between Bibliography and References

    Summary. 1.Bibliography is listing all the materials that have been consulted while writing an essay or a book. References, on the other hand, are those that have been referenced in your article or book. 2.Bibliography is not directly included in the text. References are those that are directly included in your actual text.

  19. How to Write a Bibliography, With Examples

    A bibliography is the list of sources a work's author used to create the work. It accompanies just about every type of academic writing, like essays, research papers, and reports.

  20. Bibliography

    For bibliography entries, you list the sources alphabetically by last name, so you will list the last name of the author or creator first in each entry. You should single-space within a bibliography entry and double-space between them. When an entry goes longer than one line, use a hanging indent of .5 inches for subsequent lines.

  21. Reference List: Basic Rules

    Reference List: Basic Rules. This resourse, revised according to the 7 th edition APA Publication Manual, offers basic guidelines for formatting the reference list at the end of a standard APA research paper. Most sources follow fairly straightforward rules. However, because sources obtained from academic journals carry special weight in research writing, these sources are subject to special ...

  22. Harvard: reference list and bibliography

    How to list your references. In the Harvard (author-date) System the list of references is arranged alphabetically by author's surname, year (and letter, if necessary) and is placed at the end of the work. A reference list is the detailed list of references that are cited in your work. A bibliography is a detailed list of references cited in ...

  23. Bibliography vs Citation: When To Use Each One In Writing?

    Bibliography is a list of sources that were consulted or cited in a research paper, while citation is a reference to a specific source within the text of the paper. A bibliography is a comprehensive list of all the sources that were used in the research process. It includes books, articles, websites, and other materials that were consulted.

  24. Formatting a Paper in APA

    Text beings on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph. 5 ... References Page Formatting. The following guidelines are the basic formatting rules outlined in the APA Publication Manual 7th edition. If your instructor sets ... listed in alphabetical order by the first part of the citation (usually the author) Spacing: double spaced ...

  25. In-text citation

    In-text citation. The APA 7th style uses in-text citations when referring to or quoting people's work. The essential elements of an in-text citation are the author surname/s and year. ... For multiple references by the same author with no date, after n.d. add a hyphen and then the suffix e.g. (Dreshcke n.d.-b) Multiple works from various ...

  26. In-text citation

    In-text citation. Harvard style uses in-text citations when referring to or quoting people's work. The essential elements of an in-text citation are the author surname/s and year. There are two styles of citation, known as author-prominent and information-prominent. Both styles are equally acceptable and you can use both styles within one ...

  27. Note citation

    The first part of a footnote citation is a superscript reference number. These reference numbers begin at 1 and continue consecutively. Always position reference numbers after punctuation. ... When you cite the same source again, you use shortened notes that only include the author's surname and the short title.

  28. Baltimore mayoral candidate Sheila Dixon criticizes meager use of

    Dixon, a Democrat who campaigned for Bates, said the low use of the citation docket shows the Scott administration has "no concern" for quality-of-life crimes. She pledged to become a "true ...

  29. Illinois General Assembly

    (705 ILCS 405/2-34) Sec. 2-34. Motion to reinstate parental rights. (1) For purposes of this subsection (1), the term "parent" refers to the person or persons whose rights were terminated as described in paragraph (a) of this subsection; and the term "minor" means a person under the age of 21 years subject to this Act for whom the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship ...