The difference between sources and bibliography lies in the disclosure of the information used. Source lists list all sources.
Understanding the difference between sources and bibliography
In every academic paper, be it a bachelor’s thesis, master’s thesis, or diploma thesis, guidebook texts, or specialist articles for journals and non-fiction books, it is customary to compile either a list of sources or a bibliography. These lists show where you obtained your knowledge. They also provide your readers with information on where they can find further information.
The terms “source list” and “bibliography” are often used synonymously.
- The source list lists all the sources that have been cited in the text. The source is indicated in the body text, immediately after the citation. The complete information about the passage belongs at the end of the document in the list of sources. This information is crucial for proving the origin of your citations. If it is missing, there is a risk of copyright infringement. Your work could be exposed as plagiarism.
- The bibliography contains all the important details about the books, articles, or websites you have read for your work. This list is very important because it indicates the origin of your information and how you researched it. It also helps other readers to look up the sources you have mentioned in order to delve deeper into the topic.
- In the bibliography, readers will find a comprehensive list of all the sources that support your work. This list can be sorted either alphabetically or by year of publication. It can also be structured according to the type of literature, such as reference books, journals, or web addresses.
- In contrast to the source list, all secondary sources are also listed here. This refers to sources that you have used as background information for your work, even if you have not quoted them directly.
Structure of sources and bibliography
The list of sources and the bibliography are important components of any academic paper. They serve to transparently present the sources used. Both lists are crucial for ensuring the integrity of the paper and providing readers with clear guidance on the sources used.
- All sources used for the paper are listed alphabetically in the bibliography. This list is indispensable and a standard component of every paper. The list can be sorted into different categories, such as reference works, specialist books, journals, newspapers, internet addresses, etc.
- The type of citation varies depending on the type of literature used. For individual authors’ works, for example, the author’s last name and first name must be given, followed by the title, subtitle, place of publication, and year of publication. For anthologies, on the other hand, you need the last name and first name of the editor, followed by the title, subtitle, volume number, place of publication, and year of publication.
- Journal articles are identified by the last name and first name of the author, followed by the title, subtitle, volume number (year), and page numbers. For internet addresses, provide the entire address and the download date.
- Findings from observation and interview transcripts must also be documented in the bibliography if the information served as the basis for your work. To do this, you must provide the name of the person who took the notes, the name of the interviewee, the location of the recording, and the time.
- All quotations in your work must be numbered consecutively. These numbers are used in the list of sources, where, in contrast to the bibliography, the page numbers are given. Common abbreviations such as “f” for the following page or “ff” for several following pages are used for page references. “Cf.” is used for “compare,” “ed.” stands for editor, and “ibid.” means “in the place indicated.”
