Annotated Bibliographies
An annotation has two purposes. First, an annotation indicates the types of material or information contained in the source so that a reader can judge whether the source is useful for answering a specific question that arises. Second, an annotation serves as a record of your research, which is much more effective than simply relying on memory.
Annotations should be detailed, specific, and thorough. They must be written exclusively in your own words (no plagiarism!). They should address the text and not consist of your response to the text’s content, though they may include your evaluation of the text’s usefulness. In addition, given the dual purpose of an annotation, it is important to annotate even those sources which you do not find entirely useful.
An annotation does one or more of the following:
- Clearly states the thesis or main points of the source;
- Summarizes how the material is organized;
- Indicates what topics are discussed and what topics are omitted;
- Explains the usefulness of the source for your research purposes;
- Evaluates the strengths and limitations of the source.
How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography
As you locate and read various sources, take notes. The questions you answer in evaluating your source materials will also help you think of comments you might want to make in annotations. Reflect on the level of readership at which the annotations are aimed. For instance, a student audience may need general comments, while an expert audience may require more specific comments about the sources.
Information for annotations may come from the author’s use of titles, headings, key words, introductions, conclusions, summaries, indices, cross-references, and bibliographies.
Format for an Annotated Bibliography
- Title the first page “Annotated List of Works Cited” (Note: Do not include quotation marks).
- Cite the work in standard MLA format.
- Begin each annotation after the period that ends the citation entry.
- Continue the hanging indentation form.
- Begin sentences with capital letters and end with periods.
- Compose the annotations in complete sentences.
Further Reading
- http://www.library.cornell.edu/okuref/research/skill28.htm – Brief and concise procedural overview of how to construct an annotated bibliography.
- http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_annotatedbib.html – Defines the annotated bibliography and explains the purpose of doing one. Touches on format briefly and provides examples.
- http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/AnnotatedBibliography.html – This well organized and easy to navigate site describes annotation content as indicative, informative, evaluative, or a combination; sample entries are given of each type.
- http://writingcenter.tamu.edu/how-to/revising-editing/comma-splices-run-ons-and-fragments/ – Provides a sample entry written in sentence fragments and a more comprehensive one written in full sentences for comparison. Also supplies a list of questions helpful in determining what should go into the annotation.
