The following is adapted from Cornel University Library http://olinuris.library.cornell.edu/ref/research/skill28.htm
WHAT IS AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY?
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.
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ANNOTATIONS VS. ABSTRACTS
Abstracts are the purely descriptive summaries often found at the beginning of scholarly journal articles or in periodical indexes. Annotations are descriptive and critical; they expose the author’s point of view, clarity and appropriateness of expression, and authority.
Note: Abstracts are written after, not before, the journal article or research paper.
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THE PROCESS
Creating an annotated bibliography calls for the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research.
First, locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic. Briefly examine and review the actual items. Then choose those works that provide a variety of perspectives on your topic.
Cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate [e.g., Blue Book] style.
Then write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that (a) evaluate the authority or background of the author, (b) comment on the intended audience, (c) compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, or (d) explain how this work illuminates your bibliography topic.
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SAMPLE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ENTRY
The following example uses APA format for the journal citation. Law students use Blue Book format (handout).
1. Cite the source (using Bluebook format):
Waite, L. J., Goldschneider, F. K., & Witsberger, C. (1986). Nonfamily living and the erosion of traditional family orientations among young adults. American Sociological Review, 51 (4), 541-554.
2. Briefly summarize with critical comment or reaction to what you have read: e.g.,
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. They find their hypothesis strongly supported…. (descriptive summary). In contrast, an earlier study by Williams cited below shows no significant gender differences in sex role attitudes as a result of nonfamily living. (critical comment)
SOME LANGUAGE FOR TALKING ABOUT TEXTS AND ARGUMENTS:
It is sometimes challenging to find the vocabulary in which to summarize and discuss a text. Here is a list of some verbs for referring to texts and ideas that you might find useful:
account for clarify describe exemplify indicate question
analyze compare depict exhibit investigate recognize
argue conclude determine explain judge reflect
assess criticize distinguish frame justify refer to
assert defend evaluate identify narrate report
assume define emphasize illustrate persuade review
claim demonstrate examine imply propose suggest
The evidence indicates that . . . The article assesses the effect of . . .
The author identifies three reasons for . . . The article questions the view that …
HOW TO CRITICALLY ANALYZE INFORMATION SOURCES
I. INITIAL APPRAISAL
A. Author
B. Date of Publication
C. Edition or Revision
D. Publisher
E. Title of Journal (Is this a scholarly or a popular journal/web site?)
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II. CONTENT ANALYSIS
Having made an initial appraisal, you should now examine the body of the source.
1. Read the preface to determine the author’s intentions for the book.
2. Scan the table of contents and the index to get a broad overview of the material it covers.
3. Note whether bibliographies are included.
4. Read the chapters that specifically address your topic.
Consider to following:
A. Intended Audience
B. Objective Reasoning
1. Is the information covered fact, opinion, or propaganda?
2. Does the information appear to be valid and well-researched? Note errors or omissions.
3. Is the author’s point of view objective and impartial? Is the language free of emotion-arousing words and bias?
C. Coverage
1. Does the work update other sources, substantiate other materials you have read, or add new information? Does it extensively or marginally cover your topic? You should explore enough sources to obtain a variety of viewpoints.
2. Is the material primary or secondary in nature? Primary sources are the raw material of the research process (e.g., law). Secondary sources are based on primary sources (e.g., lawyers).
D. Writing Style
Is the publication organized logically? Are the main points clearly presented? Do you find the text easy to read? Is the author’s argument repetitive?
Note: Key words and terms are often repeated or re-used in legal writing (for accuracy).
You should keep a list of key words/terms as you prepare your Annotated Bibliography.
