Create a Reference List

Keep a running bibliography

As you consult various resources, make sure to keep detailed notes. Include as much of the following information as possible:

• type of resource (book, magazine, article, ebook, web page)
• title
• author
• where the work was published
• name of publisher
• copyright date
• URL & access date (for online materials)

If you want to use the exact words in your paper or project, be sure to make note of the page numbers or spot in the article.

Remember, it’s a good idea to read at least 3 sources about your topic to be sure that the information you are getting is true.

Select the resources that you have actually used in your work

What’s the difference between a bibliography and reference list, you ask? Your reference list includes only the resources that you have referenced in your work.

So, for your final reference list, choose the…

• items that you have quoted;
• items you have paraphrased (rewritten in your own words);
• media (images, videos, sound) you have used.

Make a final reference list

Be sure you know in which style you need to list your references (MLA, APA or other). Once that’s clear, use the appropriate style guide and remember to be consistent.

There are also some good online tools that can help you format your bibliography, a couple of examples:

• BibMe
• Son of Citation Machine

You supply the information; the tool formats it according to the style you choose. Then, you simply copy and paste the formatted reference into your final list.

Here are some basic formatting tips to keep in mind as you finalize your reference list:

• Use a new page for your reference list.
• Centre the words Reference List at the top of the page.
• List your references in alphabetical order by author’s last name.

Use one of the checklists below to be sure that you have followed all of the rules for creating a reference list:

• Checklist 1
• Checklist 2