A precise definition of a reference list is a list of only the sources you cited in your assignment itself. This is different to a bibliography which contains both sources cited in your assignment plus any other sources used for background reading but not actually cited. However, many people use the term ‘bibliography’ to mean ‘reference list’ which can be confusing.
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Although you may have heard the terms 'reference list' and 'bibliography' used interchangeably, they do have different meanings and different purposes. It is important to understand how to differentiate them so you know which one you need to use. See this short video from Cite Them Right that explains the difference (Brookes login needed):
For more on how to format a bibliography or reference list, including a link to Cite them Right Online, see Brookes' Library page on referencing below. You can also ask your Academic Liaison Librarian for help with how to format your references correctly.
A reference list comes at the end of an assignment and, in styles like Harvard and APA (name, date) is ordered alphabetically by author’s surname. The same is broadly also true of footnoting systems such as Chicago or MHRA, though when using these systems your department may also require you to divide your bibliography into sections based on the types of sources used. Check the name of the referencing style for your department, and see Cite Them Right for guidance on the relevant style (Brookes login needed):
Complete your reference list as you go along, don’t leave it until the last minute. An inaccurate reference list can lose marks and may lead to more serious issues with plagiarism. Have a good system for recording your sources; don’t rely on having lots of browser tabs open as you can accidentally close a tab or lose track of them. Alternatively, use reference management software like Endnote which is supported by the Library.
Keeping your reference list up to date is a good organisational strategy, but it is also a good learning strategy. Listing what you have read so far shows the depth and breadth of sources you’ve used: Have you relied too heavily on one main book? Are your sources current or more dated? Have you consulted enough journal articles?