Annotated bibliography
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An Annotated Bibliography is a bibliography that gives a summary of the research that has been done. It is still an alphabetical list of research sources. In addition to bibliographic data, an annotated bibliography provides a brief summary or annotation.
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[edit] Annotations
The purpose of annotations are to provide the reader with a summary of the source. In order to write a successful annotation, each summary must be concise and brief. An annotation should display the source's central idea(s) and give the reader a general idea of what the source is about. <ref>Carlson, Laurie. "Annotated Bibliographies." KU Writing Center. University of Kansas. Last accessed on 15 November 2006 <http://www.writing.ku.edu/students/docs/bibs.html>.</ref>
An annotation should include the complete bibliographic information for the source. It should also include some or all of the following:
- An explanation about the authority and/or qualifications of the author.
- Scope or main purpose of the work.
- Any detectable bias.
- Intended audience and level of reading
- A summary comment
An annotation should be between 100 to 200 words, ideally.<ref>"How to Write Annotated Bibliographies." 22 April 2003. Queen Elizabeth II Library of Memorial University of Newfoundland Libraries. Last accessed on 15 November 2006 <http://www.library.mun.ca/guides/howto/annotated_bibl.php>.</ref>
[edit] Indicative Annotations
This type of annotation defines the scope of the source, lists the significant topics and explains what the source is about. In this type of entry, there is no attempt to give actual data such as hypotheses, proofs, etc. <ref name=annbib>"Annotated Bibliography." The Writing Center. 2003. University of Wisconsin, Madison. Last accessed on 15 November 2006 http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/AnnBib_content.html</ref>
[edit] Informative Annotations
This type of annotation is a summary of the source. An informative annotation should include the thesis of the work, arguements or hypotheses, proofs and a conclusion.<ref name=annbib/>
[edit] Evaluative Annotations
This type of annotation assesses the source's strengths and weaknesses. An indiction of how the source is useful and how it is not should be included. Simply put, an evaluative annotation should evaluate the source's usefulness.<ref name=annbib/>
[edit] Combination Annotations
Most annotated bibliographies contain combination annotations. This type of annotation will summarize or describe the topic, and then evaluate the source's usefulness.<ref name=annbib/>
[edit] Writing Styles
No matter which writing style is used for annotations, all entries should be brief. Only the most significant details should be mentioned. Information that is apparent in the title can be omitted from the annotation. In addition, background materials and any references to previous work are usually exluded.<ref name=annbib2>"Annotated Bibliography." The Writing Center. 2003. University of Wisconsin, Madison. Last accessed on 15 November 2006 http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/AnnBib_style.html</ref>
[edit] Telegraphic
A telegraphic writing style gets the information out quickly and concisely. Although maintaining clarity, complete and grammatically correct sentences are not necessary.<ref name=annbib2/>
[edit] Complete Sentences
A complete sentences writing style utilizes coherent sentences that are grammatically correct. Subjects and conjunctions are not eliminated even though the tone may be terse. Long and complex sentences are to generally be avoided.<ref name=annbib2/>
[edit] Paragraph
A paragraph writing style utilizes a full, coherent paragraph. This can sometimes be similar to the form of a bibliographic essay. Complete sentences and proper grammar must be used.<ref name=annbib2/>
[edit] Purpose
There are 3 main purposes behind writing an annotated bibliography. Each purpose can serve anyone in a different manner, depending on what they are trying to accomplish.
[edit] Learning About A Topic
Writing an annotated bibliography is an excellent way to begin any research project. While it may seem easier to simply copy down bibliographical information, adding annotations will force the researcher to read each source carefully. An annotation requires the source to be critically analyzed, not simply read over. <ref name=annbib3>"Annotated Bibliographies." Geoff Stacks and Erin Karper. 2001. Purdue University. Last accessed on 16 November 2006 http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_annotatedbib.html</ref>
[edit] Formulating A Thesis
Any form of research paper or essay will require some form of arguement. This is called a thesis. A developed thesis needs to be debatable, interesting and current. Writing an annotated bibliography will give the researcher a clear understanding about what is being said about their topic. After reading and critically analyzing sources, the researcher will be able to determine what issues there are and what people are arguing about. From there, the researcher will be able to develop their own point of view. <ref name=annbib3/>
[edit] To Assist Other Researchers
Extensive and scholarly annotated bibliographies are sometimes published. The purpose of these annotated bibliographies is to provide a complete and comprehensive overview of any given topic. While any normal researcher may not get their own annotated bibliography published, it could be a good idea to search for previously published annotated bibliographies that are related to their topic. <ref name=annbib3/>
[edit] References
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