ShaneLogic/bibliography-organization

Bibliography Organization and Sorting

Use this skill when organizing reference lists, bibliographies, or citation sections in academic papers.

When to Use

• Creating or maintaining a bibliography section
• Organizing a reference list alphabetically
• Handling multiple publications by the same author
• Ensuring proper alphabetical sorting in academic documents

Sorting Procedure

1. Primary Sort by Author Surname

Sort all entries alphabetically by the first author's surname. Group entries by the first letter:

• The chunk begins with 'S' surnames (Solomon, Sommerfeld, Spicer, Sze)
• The chunk transitions to 'T' surnames (Tabata, Tauc, Tersoff) after the last 'S' entry

2. Handle Multiple Works by Same Author

• Sort chronologically by year of publication
• Use letter suffixes (a, b, c) to distinguish multiple works by the same author in the same year

Example: W.E. Spicer entries appear in order: 1968, 1977, 1980a, 1980b, 1988

Example: D.L. Staebler (1977a) and D.L. Staebler (1977b)

3. Maintain Consistent Name Format

• Use consistent formatting throughout the bibliography
• Common formats: Initials followed by Surname (e.g., "W.E. Spear") or Surname followed by Initials
• Apply the same format to all entries

Constraints

• Does not apply to numbering systems sorted by citation order
• Only applies when alphabetical organization is required