An interesting controversy (academic) has arisen lately over what to call the bibliography page in a research paper. In the old days (back when I started teaching--you know--horse and buggy days) the listing of the sources used for research was called a bibliography. But the MLA (Modern Language Association) lately has changed the listing to Works Cited, and there begins the controversy!
William Coyle, in RESEARCH PAPERS, states "Bibliography, formerly in general use, is not altogether accurate because the word literally means 'writing of books,' and most research papers involve periodicals and other nonbook sources" (184). So the term was changed to "Works Cited." But "cited" can be interpreted in more than one way. WEBSTER'S NEW WORLD DICTIONARY, 3rd college edition, defines "cite" in two ways: "to quote (a passage, book, speech, writer, etc.)," and "to refer to or mention as by way of example, proof, or precedent" (256). Some researchers take this to mean that only works documented (parenthetical documentation) in the paper should be listed in the Work Cited page. Others believe that it means ALL sources used to write the paper should be included (which could include some sources that are not parenthetically cited within the body of the paper). What to do--what to do!!!
William Coyle goes on to say in his RESEARCH PAPERS that "all sources from which material has been borrowed are listed alphabetically on the final page or pages of a paper" (184). Melissa Walker, in her WRITING RESEARCH PAPERS (1993), states:
What to Include
To decide what to include in a list of sources, sort your bibliography cards into three stacks:
I. those you actually cited in the text of your paper;
II. those that helped you understand your topic, but that you did not actually cite.
III. those that you either did not consult or that were not helpful.
Eliminate the third category. In some cases, you may decide to list only those works you actually cited; and in others you may want to include the second group, whether as part of a single alphabetized list or as a separate list, by dividing your sources into "Works Cited" and "Other Works Consulted." (191)
The MLA HANDBOOK FOR WRITERS OF RESEARCH PAPERS (1988) handles the subject a little differently. It says:
In writing a research paper, you must indicate exactly where you found whatever material you borrow--whether facts, opinions, or quotations. This handbook recommends that you acknowledge your sources by keying citations in the text to a list of the research materials you have used......
The "Works Cited" section of your paper should list all the works that you have cited in your text.....
Titles used for other kinds of sources lists include "Annotated Bibliography, Works Consulted, and Selected Bibliography."......The title "Works Consulted indicates that the list is not confined to works cited in the paper." (86-87)
Therefore, each instructor may require a different title on your bibliography page. Be sure to check with your instructor as to which is required.
Some instructors will want you to list in your bibliography all works that you have used to research your paper. They feel that a bibliography serves more purpose than to tell the reader what sources you have "cited." A "Works Consulted" will tell the reader where you have gathered all your information--whether it met the rules for parenthetical documentation or not--and will be an excellent list for the reader to find more information about the subject. Any source that you read, and that influenced the writing of your paper, should be listed.
Other instructors will want you to list your bibliography as "Works Cited" and in this you will list all sources that you have cited in your paper.
My classes (Bradshaw's sections) will use the Works Consulted title on both the first and second papers.