Annotated bibliographies are needed to provide explanations or justification for using specific sources in your research. They may be necessary for rare or controversial sources. In any event, they provide your readers with context where necessary, in addition to more information on how they could locate the sources you quote.
In this article, I explain what an annotated bibliography is and provide an example. Read on to learn more.
What is an annotated bibliography?
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and other documents that are followed by a brief note or annotation that provides a summary and analysis of the source. The word annotation simply means note. This practice is done for different reasons. First, it helps the researcher keep track of valuable resources. Secondly, it allows readers to understand the context and relevance of these materials in relation to the topic that you are writing about.
Annotations often include an evaluation of the content, its relevance to the research, and sometimes its credibility or limitations. Depending on the purpose, an annotated bibliography can serve as a foundation for future research, a tool to organize information, or a component of a larger research project.
How to write an annotation
Writing an annotation requires a balance between summarization, evaluation, and reflection. Not all sources need the same type of annotations. Some annotations are brief; others are longer and include more details. The more controversial the source or the more difficult it is to access, the more detailed your annotation ought to be.
Here is a guideline and a few tips to follow when writing an annotation:
1. Start with a proper citation. Follow the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to cite the source accurately. The citation should include all the necessary details such as author, title, publication date, and more.
2. Summarize the source. Briefly describe the main ideas or arguments presented in the work. Include the purpose of the source and the main findings or conclusions.
3. Evaluate its credibility. Discuss the author's expertise, the reliability of the publisher, or the peer-reviewed nature of the source. Highlight any potential biases or gaps.
4. Reflect on its relevance. Explain how the source contributes to your research topic. Mention why you chose this particular work and how it fits into your research goals.
Example of an Annotation
For my example of an annotation, I have chosen a collection of manuscripts by the African American poet and journalist, Alice Dunbar Nelson. These papers have been collected and collated by the University of Delaware under the name: Alice Dunbar Nelson papers. You can check it out here.
In my example, I use a table that includes 1. the in-text citation of the source; 2. The reference is the bibiliography; and 3. the annotation, each in a separate column:
In-Text Citation | Bibliography | Annotation |
Dunbar-Nelson (1926) gave a positive evaluation of James Weldon Johnson's book on Negro spirituals. | MSS 0113, Alice Dunbar-Nelson papers. Special Collections. University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware. | This collection includes the archived correspondence of Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson, a prominent African American writer, poet, and political activist during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The letters provide insight into her personal life, professional endeavors, and social activism, highlighting her role in the Harlem Renaissance and broader cultural movements. |
Why Annotated Bibliographies Matter
Annotated bibliographiescan help promote and support transparency and academic rigor in research. They help researchers track their sources, evaluate the quality of their references, and provide readers with insights into the context of the cited works. For rare or controversial sources, annotations offer the necessary explanation to justify their inclusion and help address potential questions about credibility or relevance.
How EminentEdit can help with editing your annotated bibliography
At EminentEdit, we offer proofreading and editing services for every part of your manuscript, including annotated bibliographies. We are a small team of editors experienced in both publishing our own academic work and helping hundreds of academics just like you to submit A-grade academic work.
EminentEdit provides editing and proofreading services that are:
More importantly, we are adaptable to your specific needs. | Get in touch with one of our representatives for help in editing your manuscript We know what you want to say. We help you say it better. |
Our services don't just start with proofreading the final product. It also includes help from the very beginning of your project, such as editing and double-checking your research proposal or paper outline. Our editing services include the following:
Developmental editing to make sure your proposal can be transformed into a manuscript ready for final submission
Substantive editing to improve the quality of your writing on a sentence level
Extensive commentary and recommendations to improve literature review, structure, and arguments
Proofreading to make sure your writing is grammatically correct with proper spelling and punctuation
Proofreading references and annotations
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Cite this EminentEdit article |
Antoine, M. (2024, December 10). How to Write an Annotated Bibliography. EminentEdit. https://www.eminentediting.com/post/how-to-write-an-annotated-bibliography |
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