How to Write a Bibliography for a Project (With Examples)

Writing a bibliography is an essential part of any academic or research project. It not only gives credit to the original authors whose work you used but also allows readers to locate the sources if they want to explore them further. A well-structured bibliography enhances the credibility of your work and shows that your research is based on authentic information.

What is a Bibliography?

A bibliography is a list of all the sources you referred to while researching or writing your project. These sources may include books, websites, journals, newspapers, interviews, and more. A bibliography is usually placed at the end of a project report or paper.

Types of Bibliography Formats

There are three main citation styles commonly used:

  1. APA (American Psychological Association) – used mainly in social sciences.

  2. MLA (Modern Language Association) – used in humanities and literature.

  3. Chicago Style – used in history and some humanities subjects.

What to Include in a Bibliography

For each source, the following basic information is generally required:

  • Author(s)

  • Title of the work

  • Publication date

  • Publisher

  • Place of publication

  • URL or DOI (for online sources)

Steps to Write a Bibliography

1. Gather All Sources

Keep a record of all the materials you refer to during your research.

2. Choose the Right Format

Depending on your school or teacher’s guidelines, choose APA, MLA, or Chicago style.

3. Arrange Alphabetically

List the entries in alphabetical order by the author's last name.

4. Use Hanging Indent

In most formats, the first line of each entry is flush left, and the following lines are indented.

Examples of Bibliography in Different Formats

A. APA Style Example

Book:

Smith, J. (2020). Understanding Psychology. Pearson Education.

Website:

World Health Organization. (2022, March 10). Mental health: Strengthening our response. 

B. MLA Style Example

Book:

Smith, John. Understanding Psychology. Pearson Education, 2020.

Website:

“Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response.” World Health Organization, 10 Mar. 2022, 

C. Chicago Style Example

Book:

Smith, John. Understanding Psychology. New York: Pearson Education, 2020.

Website:

World Health Organization. “Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response.” Last modified March 10, 2022.

Tips for Writing a Good Bibliography

  • Be consistent with formatting throughout the list.

  • Double-check spelling of authors and titles.

  • Use citation generators (like EasyBib, Zotero, or Citation Machine) for help.

  • Follow teacher’s instructions carefully if specific formats are requested.

Conclusion

Writing a bibliography is more than just a formal requirement—it shows respect for other authors’ work and helps maintain academic honesty. Whether you're writing a school project or a detailed research paper, including a well-formatted bibliography is a must. Choose the correct format, be precise with details, and keep your list well-organized to ensure your project looks professional and trustworthy.

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