Here's a breakdown:
* Alphabetical Order by Author's Last Name (or Editor, Compiler, etc.): Entries are listed alphabetically based on the last name of the first author listed. If there's no author, alphabetize by the title (ignoring "A," "An," or "The").
* Multiple Works by the Same Author: If an author has multiple works cited, list them chronologically, from earliest to latest publication date.
* Consistency in Formatting: Whichever citation style you're using (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.), *maintain consistency* throughout. This includes capitalization, punctuation, italics/underlining, spacing, and the order of elements within each entry.
* No Numbering: Unlike a works cited page (which sometimes uses numbers), a bibliography typically does not number entries.
* Comprehensive List: A bibliography aims to list *all* sources consulted during the research process, even if they weren't directly cited in the text. A "Works Cited" page, in contrast, only includes sources that were directly referenced.
In short, the key is alphabetical order by author's last name, coupled with strict adherence to a chosen citation style's formatting guidelines. This ensures clarity and allows readers to easily locate specific sources.