Bibliography Example That Works: MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard

Start with a clear bibliography example and meaning

Ever wondered why instructors emphasize a well-formatted bibliography example at the end of your paper? Or maybe you’ve asked yourself, “bibliography what is it?” If so, you’re not alone. Many students and professionals get tripped up by the subtle but important differences between a bibliography, a reference list, and a works cited page. Let’s break down these terms and see why knowing the right format—and seeing good examples—can save you from last-minute stress.

What a bibliography includes

At its core, to define bibliography is to describe a list of sources you consulted while researching and writing your assignment. But what is bibliography in practical terms? It’s more than just a list of books: it captures the full range of materials—articles, websites, interviews, and more—that informed your work. Unlike a reference list or works cited page, a bibliography can include sources you read for background but didn’t directly cite in your text.

• Author (Who created the work?)

• Title (What is the name of the work?)

• Container (Where was it published? For articles, this is the journal or website.)

• Publisher (Who made it available?)

• Date (When was it published?)

• DOI/URL (How can someone find it?)

Bibliography vs works cited vs references

Here’s where things get interesting. You’ll notice that “bibliography or works cited” are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are key distinctions:

• Reference List: Only includes sources you cited directly in your paper. Each entry matches an in-text citation. (Common in APA and Harvard styles.)

• Bibliography: Lists everything you consulted—cited or not. This offers a broader view of your research depth. (Often used in Chicago and some university guidelines.)

• Works Cited: The MLA-specific version of a reference list. Only sources you cited appear here, but the formatting follows MLA rules.

Match the style your assignment specifies, not what a sample shows.

When your instructor’s style guide overrides defaults

Sounds complex? It can be—especially since different academic fields and institutions have their own preferences. Always check your assignment brief or syllabus. If your instructor asks for a bibliography but expects only cited sources, follow their lead. When in doubt, ask for clarification.

And remember: the example of a bibliography you find online may follow MLA, APA, or Chicago rules. This guide will show you examples that align with the latest conventions for MLA, APA 7th edition, and Chicago (17th edition) so you can confidently build your own, no matter the style.

Up next, we’ll explore the unique requirements for each major style, so you can spot the differences at a glance and avoid common mistakes.

How MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard Bibliographies Differ

When you look up a bibliography example , you’ll quickly notice that not all styles look the same. Imagine you’re about to submit a paper and your instructor says, “Follow APA, not MLA.” What exactly changes? Let’s break down the differences so you can pick the right reference list example and avoid last-minute formatting headaches.

MLA Entry Patterns and Capitalization

MLA format, widely used in the humanities, focuses on clarity and authorship. You’ll spell out authors’ full first and last names, and titles use title case —meaning most words are capitalized. Container titles (like journals or websites) are italicized. The source page is called Works Cited. Here’s a quick mla citation example for a book:

• Works Cited: Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. Mariner Books, 2003.

APA Reference List Rules You Must Not Skip

APA style is the go-to for social sciences and education. The source list is titled References , and you’ll use author initials instead of full first names. Titles are written in sentence case —only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized. APA 7th edition has some unique rules: no publisher location is needed, and DOIs are formatted as URLs. Here’s an apa formatting example for the same book:

• References: Walker, A. (2003). The color purple. Mariner Books.

Notice the subtle differences? For more on APA style, visit the SCC Library.

Chicago Bibliography and Note System Basics

Chicago style is popular in history and some humanities. It offers two systems: Notes and Bibliography (footnotes/endnotes plus a bibliography) and Author-Date (similar to Harvard). The bibliography spells out authors’ full names and uses headline-style capitalization (like MLA). Here’s a chicago bibliography entry for a book:

• Bibliography: Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. Mariner Books, 2003.

To see how the chicago format citation works for different sources, check the Chicago Manual of Style Quick Guide.

Harvard Author-Date Nuances

The Harvard citation style is common in the UK and Australia. It closely resembles APA but may vary by institution. The reference list is called Reference List and entries are ordered alphabetically by author surname. Author initials are used, and titles are in sentence case. Here’s a Harvard example:

• Reference List: Walker, A. (2003) The color purple. New York: Mariner Books.

Always check your instructor’s requirements—some institutions have their own variations on these rules.

Still unsure which style to use? Bookmark guides like CiteWithMe’s referencing style comparison for quick answers, and remember to review edge cases such as sources with multiple editors or no clear author. Up next, we’ll walk through a step-by-step process to help you build a correct entry in any style, so you can confidently create your own bibliography example from scratch.

Build a correct entry step by step

Ever stared at a blank page and wondered, “How do you write a bibliography that actually follows the rules?” You’re not alone. Whether you’re new to academic writing or just want a refresher, building a bibliography entry from scratch is a skill that pays off across all citation styles. Let’s break down the process so you can confidently create your own reference list format for any assignment.

Identify and order the core elements

Before you worry about punctuation or spacing, focus on gathering the right details. Every bibliography example —no matter the style—relies on a few core elements. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Author(s): Who created the work? List individual authors, corporate authors, or editors as required.

2. Title: What is the name of the work? For articles or chapters, include both the title and the container (journal, book, or website).

3. Publication Details: This includes the publisher, journal name, volume/issue, and publication date.

4. Location or Identifier: Page range for articles, DOI, or URL for online sources.

Once you have these, you’re ready to start formatting.

Master punctuation and capitalization patterns

Sounds simple, right? But every style has its quirks. Here’s a style-agnostic workflow you can adapt:

1. Arrange your elements in the order required by your chosen style (MLA, APA, or Chicago).

2. Apply the correct capitalization:

   • MLA & Chicago: Use title case for titles (capitalize major words).

   • APA: Use sentence case (capitalize only the first word and proper nouns).

3. Insert punctuation exactly as the style guide specifies:

   • Periods separate major elements.

   • Commas, colons, and parentheses are used for volume/issue numbers and publication details.

4. Place the date, publisher, and DOI/URL where your style requires:

   • APA: Date follows the author; publisher at the end; DOI as a URL.

   • MLA: Date near the end; publisher before the date; DOI/URL last.

   • Chicago: Date at the end; publisher before the date; DOI/URL as needed.

Never invert first names unless the style expects Last, First. For example, MLA and Chicago bibliography entries use Last, First; APA uses Last, Initial.

Finish with hanging indents and spacing

Formatting matters just as much as content. Most styles require:

• Double-spacing throughout the bibliography or reference list.

• Hanging indents : The first line of each entry is flush left; all subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches.

Here’s how to type a bibliography with a hanging indent in Microsoft Word:

1. Highlight your bibliography entries.

2. Right-click and select “Paragraph.”

3. In the “Indentation” section, choose “Hanging” from the Special dropdown. Set it to 0.5".

4. Click OK, and your entries will be formatted correctly (Microsoft Support).

For a plain-text demonstration:

  Smith, John. "The Art of Reference." _Journal of Research_ , vol. 10, no. 2, 2025, pp. 45-67.


    Johnson, Sarah. "Why Citations Matter." _Academic Review_ , vol. 5, no. 1, 2025, pp. 12-30.

Quick checklist for final verification

• All required elements are present (author, title, publication, date, DOI/URL).

• Elements are in the correct order for your style.

• Punctuation matches the style guide.

• Capitalization follows sentence or title case as needed.

• Entries are double-spaced and use hanging indents.

• List is alphabetized by the first element (usually author’s last name).

Style-specific tweaks: MLA, APA, Chicago

As you refine your entries, keep these differences in mind:

• MLA: “Works Cited” title; Last, First author format; container titles in italics; access date for online sources.

• APA: “References” title; Last, Initials; publication date after author; use DOI as URL.

• Chicago: “Bibliography” title; Last, First author format; headline-style capitalization; publisher and date at the end.

If you’re wondering how to insert a bibliography in Word , most word processors have built-in tools that let you select your style, add sources, and generate a formatted list automatically. But always double-check the output against the official style guide.

Ready to create your own bibliography?

With these steps, you’ll never need to ask “how do I create a bibliography” or “how do I write a bibliography in MLA format” again. The next section will provide copy-ready templates and a complete sample bibliography page, so you can see these rules in action and model your entries with confidence.

Copy-ready templates and sample bibliography page

Ever wish you had a reference list template you could use for any assignment? Or maybe you’re searching for a clear mla citation page example to model your work after? Here’s your practical toolkit: ready-to-use templates and a full sample reference page —all based on current MLA, APA 7th, and Chicago style rules. These examples let you focus on your research, not on formatting headaches.

Templates for books, chapters, and journal articles

Let’s start with the most common source types you’ll encounter. Each bibliography example below is formatted for MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard. Use these as a guide or copy and adapt for your own bibliography page example.

APA 7th: Use the DOI as a URL (https://doi.org/...), and do not include publisher location. Chicago: Headline-style capitalization, full author names, and publisher at the end.

Templates for webpages and online reports

Online sources are everywhere. Here’s how to cite them in each style—just fill in your details:

• APA webpage template: Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of page. Site Name. URL

• MLA web article template: Author Last, First. "Title of Webpage." Site Name , Date, URL.

• Chicago online report template: Author. Title of Report. Date. URL.

• Harvard online report template: Author (Year) Title of Report. Available at: URL (Accessed: Day Month Year).

A complete sample bibliography page

Wondering what a polished chicago style bibliography example or mla citation page example looks like? Here’s a sample reference page with entries from different source types. Use it as a checklist for your own work.

  Works Cited


 Walker, Alice. _The Color Purple_. Mariner Books, 2003.


Niepel, Christoph, et al. "Understanding Mean-Level and Intraindividual Variability in State Academic Self-Concept: The Role of Students' Trait Expectancies and Values." _Journal of Educational Psychology_ , vol. 117, no. 5, 2025, pp. 772-788.


Taras, Z. "Situational Irony Can Be Funny, Tragic or Even Terrifying." _HowStuffWorks_ , 30 May 2024, [https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/situational-irony.htm](https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/situational-irony.htm).


   References


 Walker, A. (2003). _The color purple_. Mariner Books.


Niepel, C., Hausen, J. E., Weber, A. M., & Moller, J. (2025). Understanding mean-level and intraindividual variability in state academic self-concept: The role of students' trait expectancies and values. _Journal of Educational Psychology_ , 117(5), 772-788. [https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000946](https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000946)


Taras, Z. (2024, May 30). Situational irony can be funny, tragic or even terrifying. _HowStuffWorks_. [https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/situational-irony.htm](https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/situational-irony.htm)


   Bibliography


 Walker, Alice. _The Color Purple_. Mariner Books, 2003.


Niepel, Christoph, J. E. Hausen, A. M. Weber, and J. Moller. "Understanding Mean-Level and Intraindividual Variability in State Academic Self-Concept: The Role of Students' Trait Expectancies and Values." _Journal of Educational Psychology_ 117, no. 5 (2025): 772–788. [https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000946](https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000946).


Taras, Z. "Situational Irony Can Be Funny, Tragic or Even Terrifying." _HowStuffWorks_. May 30, 2024. [https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/situational-irony.htm](https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/situational-irony.htm).

"Double-check punctuation and capitalization: APA uses sentence case for titles, while MLA and Chicago use title case. Chicago places the publisher and date at the end."

With these templates and the sample reference page , you can confidently build your next bibliography page example. In the next section, we’ll explore annotated bibliographies, so you can take your citation skills to the next level.

Master the annotated bibliography with real examples

Ever looked at an annotated bibliography example and wondered, “What’s the real point of all those extra paragraphs after each citation?” If you’ve been assigned one, you might ask yourself how it’s different from a regular bibliography or reference list. Let’s demystify annotated bibliographies, break down their structure, and see how you can use them to strengthen your research and writing.

Summary, Evaluation, Reflection: The Three Parts

At its core, an annotated bibliography is more than a list of sources—it’s a set of mini-analyses that help readers (and you!) quickly understand the value of each item you’ve included. Most annotated bibliography examples are built from three core components:

• Summary: Briefly describe the main argument, findings, or scope of the source.

• Evaluation: Assess the source’s credibility, strengths, weaknesses, or relevance to your topic.

• Reflection: Explain how the source fits into your research, how it influences your thinking, or how you might use it in your project.

Some assignments may only require summary and evaluation, while others expect all three. Always follow your instructor’s guidelines.

Indicative vs Critical Annotations

Not all annotations serve the same purpose. You’ll encounter two main types:

• Indicative (Descriptive): Focus on summarizing the content without making judgments. Useful for giving a quick overview.

• Critical (Evaluative): Go beyond summary to analyze the source’s authority, methodology, or impact. These are common in upper-level or graduate work—and are often expected in an annotated bibliography APA or MLA assignment (Cornell University Library).

Keep evaluation criteria consistent across entries—use the same lens for each source.

Length and Tone Expectations by Assignment

How long should your annotation be? Most mla annotated bibliography examples and apa annotated bibliography examples use 100–200 words per entry, but always check your assignment brief. Annotations should be concise, objective, and written in academic tone. Avoid first-person statements unless your instructor requests reflection on your learning process.

• MLA annotated bibliography: Place the annotation after the full citation, indented one inch (per MLA 9th edition). Entries are double-spaced and formatted like a standard Works Cited page.

• Annotated bibliography APA format: List your citation using APA 7th rules, then follow with a 0.5-inch indented annotation paragraph, double-spaced throughout.

How to Write an Annotation: Practical Steps

Short Examples: MLA and APA Annotated Bibliography

Imagine you’re working on a paper about changing family roles. Here’s how an entry might look in each style:

• MLA annotated bibliography example:

  Waite, Linda J., et al. "Nonfamily Living and the Erosion of Traditional Family Orientations Among Young Adults." _American Sociological Review_ , vol. 51, no. 4, 1986, pp. 541-554.


    The authors, researchers at the Rand Corporation and Brown University, use data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Young Women and Young Men to test their hypothesis that nonfamily living alters young adults’ attitudes about families and gender roles. The study is well-designed and widely cited, making it a credible source for research on social change. This article will help support my thesis about the impact of living arrangements on values.

• Annotated bibliography APA format example:

  Waite, L., Goldschneider, F., & Witsberger, C. (1986). Nonfamily living and the erosion of traditional family orientations among young adults. _American Sociological Review_ , 51(4), 541-554.


    The authors analyze national survey data to examine how living away from family before marriage affects attitudes toward gender roles. Their findings show significant changes for young women in particular. The authors are established researchers, and the article appears in a respected journal. I will use this source to illustrate generational shifts in attitudes in my literature review.

Notice how each annotation follows the required citation format, then provides a focused paragraph that summarizes, evaluates, and reflects on the source’s usefulness. For more annotated bibliography examples , see the full samples at Purdue OWL and IRSC MLA Guide.

Checklist: What to Include in Every Annotation

• Accurate citation in correct style (MLA or APA)

• Concise summary of the source’s main points

• Evaluation of authority, bias, or methodology

• Reflection on how the source fits your research

• Proper indentation and line spacing

1. Cite

2. Summarize

3. Evaluate

4. Reflect

5. Proofread

By mastering these steps, your annotated bibliography will do more than simply list sources—it will provide a roadmap for your research and demonstrate your critical thinking. Up next, we’ll tackle tricky names and Chicago-style notes, so you’re ready for any citation challenge.

Handle tricky names and Chicago notes with confidence

Ever found yourself stuck on how to alphabetize a bibliography entry that starts with a number, or wondered how to cite a source with six authors? Or maybe you’ve looked at the Chicago style and thought, “What’s the difference between a footnote citation and the bibliography entry?” These edge cases can trip up even experienced writers. Here’s how to handle them with clarity—so your bibliography example stands up to any review.

Alphabetizing nonstandard names and titles

When you organize your bibliography or reference list, everything should be in alphabetical order. But what happens when your entry starts with a title, a government agency, or a name that doesn’t fit the usual pattern? Here are a few quick tips:

• Titles without authors: Alphabetize by the first significant word of the title (skip articles like "A," "An," or "The").

• Corporate or government authors: List under the official organization name—ignore abbreviations or "The" at the start.

• Non-English names: Use the spelling as it appears in the source, following the order given.

• Entries starting with numbers: Alphabetize as if the number were spelled out (e.g., "1984" would be alphabetized as "Nineteen Eighty-Four").

When and how to use et al. correctly

Working with sources that have many authors? That’s where et al. citation rules come in. Et al. (meaning “and others”) helps you avoid listing every single contributor, but each style has its own threshold for when you can use it. Here’s what you need to know:

• APA: In the reference list, for works with more than 20 authors, list the first 19, then add an ellipsis and the final author. In in-text citations, use et al. after the first author for works with three or more authors. For a clear et al example apa , see:Jones, A., Smith, B., Johnson, C., et al. (2020). The effects of climate change on marine biodiversity. Science, 367(6485), 979-983. (Enago)

• MLA: Use et al. for sources with three or more authors both in the works cited and in-text citations.

• Chicago : In the bibliography, for works with four to ten authors, list all of them. For works with more than 10 authors, list the first seven followed by et al. In notes, use et al. after the first author for works with four or more authors.

Remember, et al. is always punctuated with a period after "al." and is not italicized in APA, MLA, or Chicago.

Chicago note, full note, shortened note, and bibliography entry

The Chicago Notes and Bibliography system is famous for its use of footnotes endnotes chicago style. But what’s the difference between a full note, a shortened note, and the bibliography entry? Here’s a side-by-side comparison using a single book source:

"In the Notes and Bibliography system, you should include a note (endnote or footnote) each time you use a source, whether through a direct quote, paraphrase, or summary."

Full notes provide all publication details for the first mention, while shortened notes use just the author’s last name, a short title, and page number(s). The chicago citation footnote system lets you add context or commentary in your notes, while the bibliography is a complete alphabetical list at the end of your document.

Tips for edge cases and error-free lists

• Multiple works by same author: Alphabetize by title after grouping all works by that author together.

• Unknown author: Start with the title and alphabetize accordingly.

• Government or corporate authors: Use the full official name; avoid abbreviations unless commonly known.

• Footnotes vs. endnotes: Footnotes endnotes chicago style can be used interchangeably, but check your instructor’s preference.

By following these rules, you’ll create a bibliography that’s not only accurate but also easy to navigate. Want to see a chicago style bibliography sample in action? Check the Chicago Manual of Style citation guide for more examples and best practices. Next, we’ll explore how smart citation tools can help you format these entries in minutes, even for the trickiest sources.

Build your bibliography faster with smart tools

Reliable ways to speed up citation work

Ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of sources you need to format for a sample reference list? When deadlines loom, even seasoned researchers wish for a shortcut. That’s where smart citation tools step in, turning the tedious process of building a bibliography example into a streamlined workflow. But with so many options—online generators, plug-ins, and downloadable apps—how do you choose the right one?

Let’s break down the landscape. Citation generators fall into two main categories: robust reference managers with plug-ins for word processors, and web-based tools that let you build and export bibliographies on demand. Both can help you quickly create a bibliography template tailored to MLA, APA, or Chicago style.

Template-driven workflows that prevent errors

Imagine you’re working on an annotated bibliography template for a major research project. Instead of copying and pasting from scattered examples, you use a tool that walks you through each required element—author, title, date, DOI—ensuring nothing is missed. This is the advantage of template-driven citation tools: they reduce the risk of formatting mistakes that can cost you points or credibility.

To help you compare, here’s a quick overview of leading citation generators and what they offer for students and researchers:

From example to finished bibliography in minutes

Why spend hours reformatting when you can use a bibliography template that automatically adapts to your needs? With AFFiNE’s Citation Generator Template, you can move from viewing a bibliography example to producing a submission-ready sample reference list in just a few clicks. The tool supports all major styles and allows you to export or copy entries directly into your document—ideal for students juggling multiple assignments or researchers managing complex projects.

Of course, even the best annotation generator or chicago style citation machine can’t replace your final review. Always double-check capitalization, italics, and page ranges against trusted sources like APA Style, Purdue OWL, or the Chicago Manual of Style. Automated tools are designed to save time and reduce errors, but your careful eye ensures every detail meets academic standards.

Use templates and citation tools to speed up your process, but always proofread before submitting your bibliography.

Ready to put your bibliography together quickly and accurately? In the next section, we’ll share a final checklist so you can validate every entry and submit your work with confidence.

Finalize your bibliography with a fail safe checklist

One pass for structure, one pass for punctuation

After spending hours researching and formatting, you might wonder: how do you create a bibliography that is truly submission-ready? The answer is a systematic review process. Start by checking the overall structure—are all your entries present and in the correct order? Then, make a second pass focused solely on punctuation, capitalization, and style-specific details. This two-step approach helps you spot inconsistencies that a single read-through might miss.

Final checks for URLs, DOIs, and access dates

What should a bibliography look like when it comes to digital sources? Pay special attention to URLs, DOIs, and access dates. Each style guide has its own requirements:

• APA: Use DOIs as hyperlinks (https://doi.org/...), and include URLs for online sources without a DOI. No retrieval date is needed unless the content is likely to change.

• MLA: Provide the full URL for online sources and include an access date if required by your instructor.

• Chicago: Include the URL or DOI for online sources; access dates are optional but may be requested for unstable content.

• Harvard: Always include the access date for online materials, formatted as (Accessed: Day Month Year).

If you’re unsure how to format a bibliography entry for a website or report, double-check against recent examples from trusted guides or use a citation tool to preview the output.

Submission-ready formatting checklist

Before you upload your assignment or hit print, use this reference list sample checklist to ensure every detail is correct:

• Entries are alphabetized by author’s last name (or by title if no author).

• Consistent indentation (hanging indent) and double-spacing throughout.

• Correct use of italics for book, journal, and website titles.

• All required elements are included: author, title, publication details, date, DOI/URL, and access date if needed.

• Punctuation and capitalization match your chosen style guide.

• In-text citations match entries in your bibliography or reference list.

• Digital sources are up to date and all links work.

• Entries are separated into primary and secondary sources if required (University of Reading).

Consistency beats perfection in ambiguous cases—follow one style source.

Leverage tools but always proofread

Tools like the AFFiNE Citation Generator Template can help you organize sources and apply consistent templates for MLA, APA, and Chicago styles. This is a great way to quickly see what an example of a bibliography page should look like. However, even with the best tools, a human review is essential. Double-check capitalization, author order, and date placement against trusted sources like APA Style, Purdue OWL, and CMOS Online before you submit.

• Review your assignment instructions or journal guidelines—these always take precedence over general rules.

• Ask yourself: does my bibliography reflect what's in a bibliography for my field and assignment?

• Save your final document as a PDF to preserve formatting, if required.

By following this checklist, you’ll know exactly what does a bibliography look like at its best: clear, consistent, and ready for any instructor’s review. With these final steps, your bibliography example becomes a flawless submission—no last-minute surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bibliography Examples

1. What is a bibliography and can you provide an example?

A bibliography is a comprehensive list of sources you consulted during research, including books, articles, and websites. For example, in MLA style: Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. Mariner Books, 2003. Each entry includes the author, title, publisher, and publication date, following the required format of your chosen citation style.

2. How do you write a bibliography for a school project?

To write a bibliography for a school project, gather all the sources you used, including books, articles, and online materials. List each source with the author's name, title, publication details, and the date. Choose the citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, or Harvard) required by your teacher, and format each entry accordingly using a consistent structure. Templates and citation generators can help streamline this process.

3. What is the difference between a bibliography, reference list, and works cited?

A bibliography lists all sources you consulted, whether cited or not. A reference list only includes sources you directly cited in your work, common in APA and Harvard styles. A works cited page, used in MLA, includes only the sources you referenced in your text. Always follow your assignment's required style for the correct format.

4. How can I quickly create a correctly formatted bibliography?

You can use citation tools like AFFiNE's Citation Generator Template to build a bibliography in MLA, APA, or Chicago style. These tools guide you through each required entry field and export a formatted list, saving time and reducing errors. However, always review your bibliography for accuracy before submission.

5. What should I check before submitting my bibliography?

Before submitting, ensure all entries are alphabetized, formatted with hanging indents, and double-spaced. Verify that author names, titles, publication details, and URLs or DOIs follow your chosen style guide. Double-check for consistency, correct punctuation, and that all in-text citations match your bibliography entries.