Bibliography
The content of a bibliography is judged by the criteria of quality, quantity, and variety. QualityYou should include the best known publications on the topic - those that are repeatedly mentioned in bibliographies at the end of articles, essays, and in books. You could also ask your instructor to recommend the best known works on a topic or the names of authors who are associated with the topic. A book, article, or Internet site based in large part upon an author's opinions or biases should not be used as your sole authority. Include materials that are written from a variety of perspectives. With books it is better to read the book, and reference it, rather than take information about it from a second book, or article, which has mentioned it. With periodical articles it is better to read the original article, and reference it, rather than a condensation or reprint of it.
Quantity
There is no "right" number of items to include in your bibliography. Include all the works that you have quoted from or have cited in your paper.
Your bibliography will usually include books and articles, and may include Internet resources. Depending on your topic, you might also want to include government documents, maps, statistics, or references to interviews that you have conducted. Again, depending on your topic, you might want to include both primary (diaries, letters, first-hand accounts, public opinion surveys, laboratory studies) and secondary (published interpretations of primary materials).
July 15, 2008
