A method and system for using a communications network such as the Internet to archive and retrieve bibliography information and reference material cited in a manuscript includes a first communications device connected to the Internet for an author of a manuscript to use. The author uses the first communications device to transfer identification of reference material cited by the author in the manuscript to the Internet. A second communications device is connected to the Internet for an audience of the manuscript to use. The audience uses the second communications device to request and receive a copy of the reference material cited by the author in the manuscript from the Internet. A database is connected to the Internet to communicate with the author and the audience via the Internet. The database receives the identification of reference material cited by the author from the author. The database stores a copy of the reference material and a distinctive key associated with the copy of the reference material. The database transmits a copy of the reference material to the audience in response to receiving a request from the audience for a copy of the reference material. The reference material cited by the author in the manuscript may be a website, an e-mail, a digital file, and traditional media such as a paper book or magazine.