A bibliography lists every resource that was cited, mentioned, used or quoted anywhere in the paper. This allows readers to find those original sources if they want to check your facts or learn more about the subject. The bibliography shows that your argument is based on proven facts or expert commentary, rather than just your opinion.
A Works Cited page is a specific type of bibliography. The publication and style guidelines established by the Modern Language Association (MLA) require that the bibliography be titled "Works Cited," since it lists the works that were cited in the paper. The Chicago Manual of Style, on the other hand, requires that the list be titled, simply, "Bibliography."
The bibliography or Works Cited page is located at the end of the paper, after the primary text concludes. It should begin at the top of a fresh page.
At the top of the page, write the title of the bibliography; it should be centered. The title should read "Bibliography" if the paper follows Chicago style or if it doesn't follow a specific style guide. It should read "Works Cited" if the paper follows MLA style. Each source should begin flush left, and subsequent lines should be indented 1/2-inch. In both MLA and Chicago styles, the bibliography should be double-spaced.
The information about each individual resource is called an "entry." Each entry should include the source's title and author(s). It should also include other relevant information (depending on what type of source it is--book, article or Web page), such as publisher, location, date of publication, journal name, volume, issue and/or URL. Each style guide (e.g., MLA, Chicago) has specific rules about the order and format of those elements.
If only one source is cited in the paper, then the MLA bibliography is titled "Work Cited," in the singular. Some other citation styles, such as APA and CSE, require that a bibliography be titled "Reference List."