Most publishers now give authors both printed and internet guidelines on how to word bibliographical references, and provide appropriate examples. In some cases publishers have a preferred style but are prepared to accept a different one, and as long as it is complete and consistent, this saves the time and effort otherwise required to put the entries into house style.

It is not necessary to back every piece of information by a reference, for example to a dictionary or general encyclopedia. However, the sources of quotations, the grounds for controversial statements and acknowledgements of other people's work should be given.

There are three relevant British Standards: BS 1629: References to Published Materials; BS 4148: Abbreviation of Title Words and Titles of Publications; and BS 5605: Citing and Referencing Published Material. Other standard reference works, particularly The Chicago Manual of Style, can also be helpful.

The four usual methods of referring to sources are the short-title system (see section 10.1), the author–date system (see 10.2), reference by number only (see 10.3) and the author–number system (see 10.4). The first of these is used in most general books, the second mainly in science and social science books; the third (sometimes called the Vancouver system) is commonly used in journals; the fourth is used less frequently. For comments on lists of further reading, see section 10.5.

The exact punctuation within references does not matter, provided all the necessary information is given clearly and consistently.