Are you confused about the difference between a bibliography and a works cited page? As an academic writer, it’s important to understand the distinction between these two similar-sounding terms.
A bibliography refers to a comprehensive list of sources consulted and referenced in a research project or paper, regardless of whether they are directly cited, while works Cited specifically lists the sources that were directly cited within the text.
Bibliography vs. Works Cited
| Bibliography | Works Cited |
|---|---|
| A bibliography is a comprehensive list that includes all the sources consulted during the research process, regardless of whether they were directly cited in the text. | Works Cited is a list that specifically includes the sources that were directly cited within the text of a research project or paper. |
| Its purpose is to demonstrate the breadth of research and background reading conducted by the author, providing readers with a comprehensive list of all sources consulted. | It serves the purpose of providing readers with specific sources that were referenced in the text, supporting and validating the claims made by the author. |
| A bibliography includes all sources consulted, even if they were not directly cited, ensuring transparency and allowing readers to explore further. | Works Cited includes only the sources that were directly referenced in the text, enabling readers to locate and verify the specific information used by the author. |
| Its sources are typically listed in alphabetic order, accompanied by full bibliographic details such as author, title, publication date, and more. | It also follows alphabetic order and includes complete bibliographic details to facilitate accurate citation and future retrieval of the sources. |
| A bibliography is placed at the end of the document, after the main text and any appendices or footnotes. | Works Cited is also positioned at the end of the document, typically following the main text and any other supplementary sections. |
| Examples of sources found in a bibliography include books, articles, websites, interviews, and any other materials consulted during the research process. | It consists of quotes, paraphrases, and specific references to sources such as books, articles, websites, and other relevant materials directly cited within the text. |
What is a Bibliography?
A bibliography is a comprehensive list of sources that an author consults and references in a research project, paper, or other written work. It includes various types of sources, such as books, articles, websites, interviews, and any other materials used during the research process.
The purpose of a bibliography is to provide readers with a complete and detailed record of the sources the author used, regardless of whether they were directly cited in the text. This allows readers to locate and explore the cited sources for further information and to assess the credibility and thoroughness of the author’s research.
What is a Works Cited?
Works Cited is a section in a research paper, essay, or any written work that specifically lists the sources that were directly cited within the text. It provides detailed information about the sources used to support the author’s claims, arguments, or ideas presented in the work.
The purpose of a Works Cited page is to give credit to the original authors and to allow readers to locate and verify the sources for themselves. It typically includes various types of sources such as books, articles, journals, websites, and other relevant materials.
When should each be used?
A bibliography is a list of all the sources you consulted in preparing your research paper. The sources listed in a bibliography may be used as references or may simply be informative. A works cited list only includes those sources directly referenced in your text.
If you’re not sure which to use, ask your professor or instructor. In general, however, if you’re writing a research paper you’ll want to consult more than just your textbook and will need to use a variety of sources. In this case, you’ll want to use a bibliography.
Common mistakes to avoid
- A bibliography includes all sources that you consulted in your research, whether or not you cite them in your paper. A works cited section, on the other hand, only includes sources that you actually cite in your paper.
- A bibliography is usually organized alphabetically by author’s last name, while a work cited section is typically organized chronologically by the date the source was published.
- For example, books are typically listed differently than journal articles in a bibliography. Be sure to consult your professor or style guide for specific formatting instructions.
Tips and strategies for creating an accurate bibliography/works cited
First, be sure to consult your professor or instructor to see what format they prefer. MLA and APA are the most common, but there are others as well.
Second, make sure to double-check all of your sources against the guidelines for that format – this includes things like punctuation, capitalization, and the order of information. Be sure to proofread your finished product carefully; an accurate bibliography or works cited list is essential for ensuring the credibility of your paper.
Key differences between the bibliography and works cited
- Purpose:
- Bibliography: A bibliography is a comprehensive list of all the sources consulted or referred to in the creation of a work, regardless of whether they are directly cited or not. It includes sources that influenced the author’s thinking or provided background information.
- Works Cited: Works cited is a list of only those sources that are specifically cited or referenced within the text of a work. It includes the sources that directly support the arguments, ideas, or claims presented in the text.
- Inclusion of non-cited sources:
- Bibliography: A bibliography includes all the sources consulted, whether or not they are directly cited. This includes sources that were used for background research or to gather information but may not have been cited explicitly.
- Works Cited: Works cited include only the sources that are directly referenced or cited within the text. It does not include sources that were consulted but not cited.
- Placement:
- Bibliography: A bibliography is usually placed at the end of a document, book, or research paper, after the main text and any appendices or endnotes.
- Works Cited: Works cited are typically placed at the end of the document, book, or research paper, following the main text and any appendices or endnotes. It is specifically associated with the citations and references within the text.
- Difference between Passive and Active Learning
- Difference between Tax Planning and Management
- Difference between Bill Discounting and Factoring
Conclusion
A bibliography is a comprehensive list of all sources consulted in a research project, while Works Cited specifically lists the sources directly cited in the text. The bibliography demonstrates the breadth of research, while Works Cited supports the author’s claims. Both sections provide important information for readers to verify and explore the sources used.
