Referencing Toolkit

All in-text references should be listed in the reference list at the end of your document.

The purpose of the reference list entry is to contain all the information that a reader of your work needs to follow-up on your sources. An important principle in referencing is to be consistent.

When compiling your APA Reference List, you should:

• List references on a new page with a centred heading titled: References.
• Include all your references, regardless of format, e.g. books, journal articles, online sources, in one alphabetical listing from A - Z.
• Order entries alphabetically by surname of author(s).
• If you've used multiple works by the same author, list works in order of publication (earliest to latest date).
• List works with no author under the first significant word of the title.
• Indent second and subsequent lines of each entry using a hanging line indent (1.27 cm spacing).
• Use double spacing.
• Note that all references in APA end with a full stop except when the reference ends with a URL or a DOI.

An example of a complete Reference List can be seen on our 'Sample Reference List' page.

The terms ‘Bibliography’ and ‘Reference List’ are often used interchangeably, however a reference list only includes items you have referenced in your assignment whereas, a bibliography also includes items used to prepare your assignment.

Always check with your teacher for which they require.

Books

A basic reference list entry for a book (print version) in APA must include:

• Author or authors. The surname is followed by first initials.
• Year of publication of the book (in round brackets).
• Book title (in italics).
• Edition (in round brackets), if other than first edition.
• Publisher.
• DOI (where a book has a DOI this must be included, even if you are referring to a print book).
• The first line of each citation is left adjusted. Every subsequent line is indented via a hanging line indent (1.27 cm spacing).

Example

Fletcher, D. P. (2018). Disruptors: Success strategies for women who break the mold. Entrepreneur Press.

Journal Articles

A basic reference list entry for a journal article in APA must include:

• Author or authors. The surname is followed by first initials.
• Year of publication of the article (in round brackets).
• Article title.
• Journal title (in italics).
• Volume of journal (in italics).
• Issue of journal (no italics).
• Page range of article.
• DOI (presented as a hyperlink, for example https://doi.org/xxxxx).
• The first line of each citation is left adjusted. Every subsequent line is indented via a hanging line indent (1.27 cm spacing).

Example: Ruxton, C. (2016). Tea: Hydration and other health benefits. Primary Health Care, 26(8), 34-42. doi:10.7748/phc.2016.e1162