Bibliography

What is a  Bibliography?

Basically it is a list of all the sources you used in creating your document, project, or image. There are certain guidelines about how to create this list, but it might include information about such resources as books, magazines, images, movies, interviews, and so on.

Why do I need one?

You must credit other people’s work! If you are borrowing ideas, images, and wording from others, you must give credit to them otherwise it’s plagiarising… that, and your teacher may not accept your assignment without one.

There are two different way to cite your work. Please use the MLA8 (8th edition) style.

For MLA style, take a look at  this document.

Go to this BIBME link to help you do it automatically. There is also a lot of good information on  Burnaby South’s Library page. Navigate to — > Research page:

 TIPS:  

  • Use MLA citation style unless your teacher tells you to use another one.
  • Organize citations in alphabetical order by first word.
  • If you are citing a database (e.g., Science in Context) or online encyclopedia, you can find the citation at the end of the article.  Just copy and paste. For the encyclopedia, choose the MLA version.
  • Citing websites:
    • Online citation-makers will help you cite websites, but you might need to check back to the website to find all the necessary details.
    • Be sure to include a publisher in your citation. (“Np” means “no publisher.”)  If you can’t find one, think twice about using the site.
    • To find out who the owner/publisher of a website is, go to easywhois.com and enter the domain name.  Example: davidsuzuki.org.  (Don’t enter the “www” part.)  The “Registrant” is the owner/publisher.
    • Complete the CRAAP checklist to verify your resource’s validity and credibility.

VIDEOS: 3-minute guides on plagiarism, paraphrasing, citations and in-text citations for your bibliography.  Also, getting started on a research project (hint: choose something that interests you).

What is the difference between MLA and APA formats? Which one do I use?

The majority of your teachers want it done in MLA (Modern Languages Association) format which is the most used and straightforward of the styles though a few may request it in  APA (American Psychological Association).   If you are unsure of which to use, choose MLA.

Where do I learn how to make one?

Go to the SFU Library links below for more information:

MLA formatting and style guide

**Thank you to Burnaby South Library Learning Commons and Byrne Creek Learning Commons for some of the information found on this page!