How to Write a Bibliography

Including a bibliography is an important part of reports, articles, and books you write. It consists of a list of the sources you used to write your document, including books, magazines, newspapers, and online content. By providing this list in its proper format, you allow the reader to verify your information or to find resources for further study in the subject.

Gathering the Source Information

No matter which style you are using, you will need to gather specific information.

For print sources like books, magazines and newspapers, you will need:

• Name of the author or editor(s)
• Title of publication (and title of article if it is in a magazine, newspaper or encyclopedia)
• The volume number for encyclopedias and magazines
• The page number(s)
• The publication date
• The name, city, and state of the publisher

When using Internet sources such as websites, you should note:

• Name of author or editor(s)
• Title of the website
• The publisher of the website
• The URL address of the website
• The date that you used the website for your document

Most of the basic information is easy to find in the front of the book (title page and copyright page) or magazine (front inside pages), but some information may be more difficult to find on a website (try the About Us page).

The APA and MLA Bibliography Formats

Recommended Links

New! Comments