Meaning: The quote by Daniel Bernstein highlights the essential purpose of a bibliographic entry, emphasizing its primary function as a tool to assist readers in locating and obtaining the cited work. As a mathematician, Bernstein underscores the practical and functional role of bibliographic entries, which is crucial in academic and research contexts.

Bibliographic entries, commonly found in academic papers, books, and other scholarly works, serve as a roadmap for readers to access the sources referenced by the author. They typically include essential information such as the author's name, title of the work, publication details, and other pertinent data that enable readers to identify and retrieve the source material.

In the realm of academic research, the accuracy and completeness of bibliographic entries are of utmost importance. They provide a means for readers to verify the author's claims, delve deeper into the subject matter, and build upon existing knowledge. Furthermore, bibliographic entries facilitate the process of scholarly communication and the exchange of ideas by allowing readers to trace the origins of the information presented in a given work.

From a practical standpoint, a well-crafted bibliographic entry can save readers time and effort in their pursuit of the cited material. Whether it is a scholarly article, book, or any other source, the bibliographic details provided in the entry enable readers to locate the work through various means, such as libraries, online databases, or interlibrary loan services. Additionally, accurate bibliographic information ensures that the proper credit is given to the original authors and sources, thereby upholding academic integrity and intellectual honesty.

Moreover, the role of bibliographic entries extends beyond individual works, contributing to the overall advancement of knowledge and the preservation of scholarly discourse. By documenting and cataloging sources, bibliographic entries become part of a broader network of interconnected knowledge, allowing researchers to build upon the findings and insights of others. In this way, bibliographic entries serve as a foundational element of the scholarly ecosystem, fostering continuity and coherence in the pursuit of knowledge.

In the digital age, the importance of bibliographic entries has not diminished; rather, it has evolved to accommodate new modes of information dissemination and access. Electronic databases, online repositories, and digital libraries have transformed the way bibliographic information is organized and accessed, offering unprecedented convenience and efficiency for researchers and readers. However, the fundamental purpose of bibliographic entries remains unchanged—to facilitate the retrieval and verification of cited works.

In conclusion, Daniel Bernstein's quote succinctly captures the essence of the most important function of a bibliographic entry. It serves as a vital link between authors and readers, enabling the seamless flow of information and the pursuit of knowledge. By providing accurate and comprehensive bibliographic details, authors not only fulfill a scholarly obligation but also contribute to the broader endeavor of advancing human understanding through the dissemination and accessibility of knowledge.