Reference Lists Versus Bibliographies

References are used to document and substantiate statements made in the paper.

APA publications and other publishers and institutions using APA Style generally require reference lists, not bibliographies. A reference list contains works that specifically support the ideas, claims, and concepts in a paper; in contrast, a bibliography provides works for background or further reading and may include descriptive notes (e.g., an annotated bibliography).

The Publication Manual (see Section 9.51) provides formatting guidance and examples for annotated bibliographies. Annotated bibliographies can also be created with APA’s cloud-based writing and research software called Academic Writeropens in new window.

Learn more

Reference lists versus bibliographies is covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Chapter 9 and the Concise Guide Chapter 9

This guidance is new to the 7th edition.

Related handout

From the APA Style blog

Books locked in cage with question marks

We do not decide your source types

Those who evaluate your work may have their own guidelines regarding source types.
Illustration of colored hearts with the text BE MINE, WORD NERD, #1 FAN, I LOVE APA STYLE, I LIKE UR STYLE, LUV SIC

Crushing on idioms

Three factors to consider when using an idiom in your paper are tone, citation, and formatting.
Illustration of a hacker stealing sensitive data, personal information as passwords from a laptop useful for anti phishing and internet viruses campaigns

Real or fake? Predatory journals and journal hijacking

Not every online article is a trustworthy source.
Blue background with text “Tip 10” and colorful flying hot air balloon with the APA Style logo

How to avoid plagiarism

Instructors, teach your students about plagiarism (APA Style On the Go series—Tip 10).
Illustration of a rocket with colorful trails and the text “Tip 9” on a dark gray background

How to help your students “check their style”

Instructors, help your students become effective writers (APA Style On the Go series—Tip 9).
Blue background with the text Tip 5 and a yellow boomerang with the APA Style logo in different colors

Understanding the importance of journal articles

Instructors, help your students develop their knowledge of how journal articles work (APA Style On the Go series—Tip 5).
Colorful robot icon crossed out with question marks, symbolizing AI restrictions

Part 3: Is AI “allowed” in APA Style?

Guidance on whether AI is “allowed” in APA Style (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity).
Colorful robot head with thought bubbles

Part 2: AI as a search engine and AI integrated into common software

Guidance on how to cite AI as a search engine and integrated into common software (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity).
Colorful robot head with circuit board background and data nodes

Citing generative AI in APA Style: Part 1—Reference formats

Guidance on how to cite generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity).
Books with the APA Style logo on top of a colorful skateboard on a blue background with the text Tip 1

How to evaluate sources

Instructors, help your students become effective researchers (APA Style On the Go series—Tip 1).
Bright old typewriter with gray keys and pieces of paper

How to cite unpublished works

There are many reasons to cite an unpublished work, including referring to emerging research.
A cute anthropomorphic Heart Man carrying a big pencil with paper

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Odes to our favorite aspects of APA Style, from our experts.
Lincoln Memorial steps

How to cite quotations from speeches

Create a reference that matches the source where readers can retrieve the speech.
Last updated: July 2022Date created: 2019