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Harvard Referencing Guide: List of general rules

The purpose of this guide is to simplify SPU Harvard referencing style for the SPU community

General principles for compiling a reference list

  • Do not number or bullet  reference list entries
  • Only put the edition statement when it is the second edition going up
  • The reference list is listed alphabetically according to author surname and or corporate author/ organisation.
  • The reference list must start in its own page.

Reason why we reference

  • Show that you have consulted relevant source for a research project.
  • To enable the person reading and assessing your work to trace the original sources you have used.
  • Provide documentary support for your argument
  • Referencing your work adequately will ensure that you are not accused of plagiarism 

Different referencing styles