A bibliography is a list of sources that were referenced or consulted in the creation of a work, such as a book, article, or research paper. It typically includes details like the author's name, title of the work, publication date, and publisher. This helps readers locate the original sources for further study and gives credit to the original authors. Bibliographies can be formatted in various styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, each with specific rules for how to present the information. Including a bibliography is essential in academic writing, as it demonstrates the research conducted and supports the credibility of the work.