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LIBRARY: Annotated Bibliography

What is an annotated bibliography?

An Annotated Bibliography provides a brief account of the avialable research on a given topic.  It is an alphabetical list of sources such as books, articles, websites and documents.

However, in addition to the bibliographic information, it includes a brief summary of each source, as well as some assessment or evaluatuon of various aspects which relate to its quality.

The creation of an annotated bibliography calls for the application of concise exposition, succinct analysis and informed library reseach.

 

 

Why are annotated bibliographies used?

The purpose of the annotated bibliography may be to:

  • review the literature on a particular subject
  • indicate the scope and quality of your research
  • describe other items on a topic that may interest a reader
  • provide other sources/options for future research.

How do I create an annotated bibliography?

PROCESS:

DECIDE on your topic:

  1. Think of a topic/issue that interests you. Brainstorm all aspects of the topic.  You could use a concept map, a question matrix, a compass rose or a 5W's sheet to guide your thinking.
  2. You may need to conduct some preliminary research to explore your chosen topic in more detail.  What is the scope of the topic/issue, who is affected by it, what is the effect of the topic/issue, what does the future look like etc.  Encyclopaedias are good sources of brief information for this stage.
  3. If you are required to address an issue, ensure you express your topic as an issue, not just a fact or problem. 

FIND Sources:

  1. Search for suitable resources and select the most appropriate sources.  
  2. Remember to consider the scope, authenticity, currency, lack of bias and accuracy of each source.  
  3. Try to choose a balance of different formats.  Include primary sources (interviews, surveys, phone or email & orignal documents) and secondary sources (print texts, journal articles, websites, online articles, images etc) where appropraite to your topic. 
  4. You can use the 'Electronic Reference Data Sheet' (see 'Resources' box on this page) to collect the data you need about each source.

USE the chosen sources: (Templates available above)

  1. What type of annotation are you required to write?  A "descriptive annotated bibliography" describes what the article, book or webpage is about.  In a "critical annotated bibliography" you provide a descriptive annotation as well as evaluating the success or reliability of the source.  You might also compare and contrast the source with another source on the topic.  Your teacher will tell you which type of bibliography is required.
  2. Examine and review the sources and then write a concise annotation for each that summarises the central theme and scope of the source.  You can use the 'Source Evaluation sheet' available from the 'resources' box above.
  3. If required, write one or more sentences that provide critical comment, or evaluate one or more of the following aspects: authority, reliability, authenticity, audience, relevance, accuracy, currency and bias or objectivity.  You could also explain the methods used to collect the information or provide a comparison with other sources you have included.
  4. Add a reflection of how the source adds to your knowledge of the topic (i.e. it's usefullness or importance to your research).

RECORD your chosen sources:

  1. Construct a bibliography or list of references of the books, articles, websites and journal articles you have consulted.  
  2. SSS uses the Harvard (6th edition) referencing style.  You can use the Reference Generater' (from the tab above) to create your list.
  3. REMEMBER: A reference list or bibliography is written in alphabetical order by the author, or title if the author is not known.  The  format for each citation is: single spaced within the citation; double spaced between each citation.

PRESENT your annotated bibliography:

  1. Usually, an annotated bibliography is placed at the end of an assignment (on a separate page) and it is written as one list, with the citations for each source in bold typeface followed by the annotation (double space between them).
  2. The annotation should be between two and ten sentences (one paragraph, up to 150 words).
  3. Always write in complete English sentences, in academic language and use the third person (person spoken about, e.g. they, he/she, it - NOT my, you or I) in your annotation.
  4. If writing a 'Critical Bibliography,' attempt to divide up your paragraph in this way:
  • Summary or description (approx. .25 of the annotation)
  • Critique or evaluation (approx. .5 of the annotation)
  • Reflection or closing remarks (approx. .25 of the annoatation)

EVALUATE your work:

  1. Check that all aspects of your topic are covered by a balanced selection of sources, a range of formats (as appropriate) and that all points of view are conveyed.
  2. Proof read and edit your work, ensuring you have completed all that is required of you by your teacher.
  3. IMPORTANT: Check you have included all the necesary punctuation in your citations.  This is important when using the Harvard method.

SOURCE: King, J. (2010) "How to write an annotated bibliography," Access, November 2010, pp. 34 - 37.