23 Reference List
Learning Objectives
Reference lists show the reader full information of sources used.
- Linking the citation to the reference list
- The reference list
- Formatting the reference list
- Sample reference list
- Common mistakes
Linking the citation to the reference list
In-text citations are a pointer to the more complete description of the resources detailed in your reference list. Every resource that you cite in your text should have a matching entry in your reference list. Likewise, every item in your reference list should have at least one citation in the text. If required, a bibliography can list the other resources that you read in preparation for your assignment.
The reference list
The reference list is a list at the end of your document that details the complete information for every resource that you cite in your work. To help your reader identify your resources and find them easily, you must follow the style rule in the guide.
Each type of resource follows a particular format for the reference list. The format you use indicates to the reader what type of resource you have cited. Discussion on how to reference the different types of resources is in the following chapters.
Formatting the reference list
A reference list in Harvard Western SydU style follows particular formatting.
- It begins on a new page at the end of your assignment.
- It is titled References.
- It is single-spaced with no lines between entries.
- There are no bullet points, numbers, or indentations.
- It is alphabetically ordered by surname.
- All hyperlinks are removed from URLs
Sample reference list
References
Common mistakes
Makes sure of the following before you submit your work.
- You have included a citation every time you have used the words, opinion or research findings of another author.
- There is a reference list entry for every item that you have cited in-text.
- You have only included the resources that you have cited in-text
- You have ordered the reference list in alphabetical order by the last name of the first author on the resource.
- You have removed hyperlinks from all the URLs.
- Your reference list is consistently spaced and left-aligned; and the font is the same size and type throughout.
- You have not used bullet points, numbered lists or indentations in the reference list.
Chapter Review
- The reference list contains the complete information of all the sources you have cited in text
- This information is enough for a reader to check and/or read your sources
- There are different formatting rules for different types of resources found in the Harvard Western SydU style guide
