What formatting should be used for sources that require multiple lines on the reference page?

The use of hanging indents for sources on a reference page is an established convention in various formatting styles, including APA and MLA. This format allows the first line of each source entry to align with the left margin, while any subsequent lines in the same entry are indented. This visual arrangement aids in differentiating between separate references easily, improving readability and organization in academic and professional writing.

Hanging indents help maintain a clean and structured appearance throughout the reference page, which is essential for guiding readers through a potentially long list of sources. It also ensures that crucial information, such as the author's name and publication date, remains in line, making it easier for readers to quickly identify the necessary details for citation.

Using block formatting would apply to certain types of text but does not provide the same clarity in presenting reference entries. Indented formatting may sound similar but is not specifically recognized as the standard for reference lists. Justified alignment stretches the text across the width of the page, which can cause uneven spacing and decrease readability. Therefore, hanging indents are the clear choice for reference page formatting.