The Harvard Referencing System (HRS) is a writing style that is often used in scientific and technical report writing. Like many other writing styles, HRS requires citations as a way to reference outside sources of information that were used within the document. The reference list is also required and compiles all of the sources that were used within the work. The reference list is commonly and incorrectly referred to as the Harvard works cited page. It is the MLA writing style that requires a work cited page, not the Harvard Referencing System.
The Harvard references list serves as a collection for all of the parenthetical citations used within a work that follows the Harvard writing style. This list serves the same purpose as an MLA works cited page. This may be why many people incorrectly refer to the Harvard reference list as the Harvard works cited page. Although both lists serve the same purpose, it is important for writers to know the correct terminology. By doing so, writers can ensure that they are following the writing style guidelines accordingly.
Harvard Works Cited example, Harvard reference list
The Harvard Referencing System uses parenthetical citations to reference the work of others within the text of a work. The citation is often composed of the author’s name, year of publication, and page numbers. Each citation used within a work is also detailed in the Harvard works cited page or references list located at the end of the paper.
The Harvard works cited page should be located at the end of the document and coordinate with all parenthetical citations used throughout the text. This ensures that all citations can be accounted for from its original source. Not only can a writer provide credibility for the work, but the audience can also benefit from the reference list. With detailed information that coincides with each parenthetical citation, readers are empowered to access the information from its original source. The formatting of each reference list entry is determined by the type of source used. In order to follow the correct format, it is highly advised to refer to the official Harvard Reference System guidelines.