Bibliography vs. Works Cited

Attribute	Bibliography	Works Cited
Definition	A list of sources used in a research paper or project.	A list of sources cited in a research paper or project.
Placement	Usually placed at the end of a document.	Usually placed at the end of a document.
Usage	Commonly used in humanities and social sciences.	Commonly used in humanities and social sciences.
Format	May include various citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).	May include various citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).
Order	Alphabetical order by author's last name.	Alphabetical order by author's last name.
Content	Includes all sources consulted, whether cited or not.	Includes only sources directly cited in the paper.
Additional Information	May include annotations or additional details about sources.	Usually does not include annotations or additional details.

Introduction

When it comes to academic writing, proper citation is crucial to acknowledge the sources used and give credit to the original authors. Two commonly used methods for documenting sources are Bibliography and Works Cited. While both serve the purpose of providing a list of references, there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we will explore and compare the attributes of Bibliography and Works Cited, highlighting their unique features and usage.

Definition and Purpose

A Bibliography is a comprehensive list of all the sources consulted or referenced in a piece of work, regardless of whether they were directly cited or not. It includes books, articles, websites, interviews, and any other relevant sources. The purpose of a Bibliography is to provide a complete overview of the research process and allow readers to access the sources for further exploration.

On the other hand, a Works Cited page is a list of only the sources that were directly cited within the text. It includes the author's name, title of the work, publication information, and other necessary details. The purpose of a Works Cited page is to provide immediate access to the sources used in the specific work, allowing readers to verify the information and delve deeper into the referenced material if desired.

Format and Organization

One of the key differences between Bibliography and Works Cited lies in their format and organization. In a Bibliography, the sources are typically listed in alphabetical order, regardless of the citation style used. Each entry includes the author's name, title, publication information, and other relevant details. The format may vary depending on the citation style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago.

On the other hand, a Works Cited page is usually organized in the order of appearance within the text. The first source cited in the text will be the first entry on the Works Cited page, followed by subsequent sources in the same order. This allows readers to easily locate the sources that were directly referenced while reading the work.

Inclusion of Additional Material

Another distinction between Bibliography and Works Cited is the inclusion of additional material. In a Bibliography, it is common to find sources that were consulted during the research process but not directly cited in the work. These sources may have provided background information, influenced the author's thinking, or contributed to the overall understanding of the topic.

On the other hand, a Works Cited page only includes the sources that were explicitly cited within the text. It does not include any additional sources that may have been consulted but not directly referenced. This focused approach ensures that readers can easily locate and verify the sources used to support specific claims or arguments made in the work.

Usage in Different Disciplines

The usage of Bibliography and Works Cited can also vary across different disciplines. In some fields, such as humanities and social sciences, a Bibliography is commonly used to provide a comprehensive list of sources, including those that were not directly cited. This allows readers to explore the broader context of the research and gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

On the other hand, in disciplines like natural sciences and engineering, a Works Cited page is often preferred. Since these fields rely heavily on empirical evidence and precise referencing, including only the sources that were directly cited ensures accuracy and clarity. It allows readers to easily locate and verify the specific sources used to support the scientific claims or findings.

Annotations and Additional Information

Annotations, which provide a brief summary or evaluation of each source, are often included in a Bibliography. These annotations can help readers determine the relevance and quality of the sources before delving into them. Additionally, a Bibliography may include additional information, such as the edition of a book, translator's name, or specific chapters or pages referenced.

On the other hand, a Works Cited page typically does not include annotations or additional information beyond what is necessary for proper citation. The focus is on providing the essential details required to locate the source, such as the author's name, title, publication date, and page numbers.

Conclusion

In summary, while both Bibliography and Works Cited serve the purpose of documenting sources, they differ in terms of their scope, format, organization, and additional material included. A Bibliography provides a comprehensive list of all sources consulted, regardless of direct citation, allowing readers to explore the research process and access additional material. On the other hand, a Works Cited page includes only the sources directly cited within the text, providing immediate access to the referenced material. The choice between Bibliography and Works Cited depends on the discipline, citation style, and the specific requirements of the work. Understanding these differences is essential for academic writers to ensure proper citation and give credit to the original authors.