An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.
An annotated bibliography can be a valuable tool for researchers, as it provides a quick overview of the research that has been conducted on a particular topic. It also allows researchers to evaluate the sources they are considering using for their own research and to see how other researchers have used those sources.
There are a few different ways to format an annotated bibliography, but generally each entry should include the following information:
The citation for the source, in the appropriate citation style (such as APA or MLA).
A summary of the main points or arguments of the source.
An evaluation of the source, including its strengths and weaknesses.
An explanation of how the source will be used in the research project.
Here is an example of an annotated bibliography entry:
Smith, J. (2010). The history of the automobile. New York: Random House.
In this book, Smith traces the development of the automobile from its earliest beginnings to the present day. He covers the technological innovations that have contributed to the growth of the automobile industry, as well as the social and economic impacts of the automobile. Smith's research is thorough and well-documented, and he includes a number of primary sources in the text. However, the book is somewhat dry and may not be of interest to readers who are not already familiar with the topic. This book will be a useful resource for my research on the history of the automobile industry.
An annotated bibliography can be a useful tool for researchers at any stage of a research project, whether they are just starting to explore a topic or are in the final stages of writing a paper. It can help researchers to identify relevant sources, evaluate their quality, and plan how they will be used in their research.
Sample Annotations
An Its main purpose is to inform the reader of the quality and accuracy of the cited sources. This particular annotation does not reflect on the source's potential importance or usefulness for this person's own research. The annotations come in two varieties: summary and evaluative. The MLA format displays the last name and first name of the author, the title of the book in italics, the publishing location, the publisher, the year of publication, and the medium of publication. This starts with the source citation in MLA format and the annotation. Some writing exercises would also be appropriate for generating classroom writing exercises. We get a strong sense that the writer cares about the topic and will make it interesting to read about.
All annotations are in third-person. Say So Press, 1995. The author discusses relevant archaeological evidence, patterns of symbol and ritual, and previous research. A concluding chapter pulls together the author's assumptions about voter disinterest in televised election coverage and suggests possible strategies for re-engaging voters in the process. Whether at the high school, college, or graduate school level, structuring annotated bibliographies is one of the assignments commonly required for students working on their research papers and other academic projects.
Teachers normally instruct the students to use this style for citing sources. Citations in bibliographies are much longer than in-text citations because they provide all the bibliographic information including all the identifiers that readers need in order to locate each source, authors, titles, publisher names, and many others. In MLA-style research papers, the bibliography is called Works Cited. Step 5: Emphasize the Significance and Evaluation Explain the relevance or usefulness of the text for your research study. However, not all annotated bibliographies require all three components. For help on library research, refer to Topic 2 Library Research assignment. Several of the chapters in Part 1 address the writing process and would serve to generate discussion on students' own drafting and revising processes.
The author researches several federal and state firearms regulations and their effect on the everyday citizen. Annotated bibliographies add extra information in the form of a short summary known as an annotation. Taking a humorous approach to the realities of being a writer, the chapters in Lamott's book are wry and anecdotal and offer advice on everything from plot development to jealousy, from perfectionism to struggling with one's own internal critic. Sample Annotated Bibliography Understanding the general format for a single annotated citation, you simply have to repeat the process for all of the sources you used. Nickel and dimed: On not getting by in America. SAMPLE DESCRIPTIVEANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ENTRY FOR A JOURNAL ARTICLE The following example uses the APA formatfor the journal citation.
An Annotated Bibliography can include any type of resource unless otherwise specified by the assignment. The authors, researchers at the Rand Corporation and Brown University, use data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Young Women and Young Men to test their hypothesis that nonfamily living by young adults alters their attitudes, values, plans, and expectations, moving them away from their belief in traditional sex roles. Creating a Chicago annotated bibliography is an excellent way to sharpen your research skills. Descriptive Annotated Bibliography A descriptive annotated bibliography is a type of annotated bibliography in which you describe or summarize a source like a book, scholarly article, and others that are beneficial for researching a specific topic or question. The annotations should show that you have conducted your research carefully. However, some students are confused between the Chicago and Turabian formatting styles. The article is extensively researched and provides a useful bibliography of research articles that include voter surveys.
While writing in an evaluative approach, you should bring in How Long Should an Annotated Bibliography Be As you have more than 1 option in creating your bibliography, its length can be different. Roles of the Northern Goddess. MLA Annotated Bibliography Example Chicago Style Annotated Bibliography Example Like APA and MLA, Chicago is another formatting style of annotated bibliography. The purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect Americans from government overreach. Author: This courseware module is part of Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences' Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is committed to making its websites accessible to all users, and welcomes comments or suggestions on access improvements. An annotated bibliography example gives you an idea to easily draft the annotated bibliography. No reservations - How to take the worry out of eating out.
How will you find the resource again if it disappears? Bibliography: It is a clear and well-organized list of citations that are often presented alphabetically. While the annotation stays the same, the way you create your citation differs between the two. Nonfamily living and the erosion of traditional family orientations among young adults. This resource is useful because it examines self-perception of race and how that can impact behavior in ways that influence one's health in the future. The basic format for an annotated bibliography involves a citation followed by the annotation.
Evaluative Annotated Bibliography: It is also known as a critical annotation. The Oxford Book of American Literacy Anecdotes. In the process, Lamott includes fun and productive writing exercises. An Annotated Bibliography can save you time by reminding you of what you've already found. Evaluation Annotated Bibliography When you construct an evaluation annotated bibliography, make a comparison and contrast of the source. Sometimes, other researchers use bulleted lists. Read on for how to write an annotated bibliography, Chicago style.
