Preparing Annotated Bibliographies: This Resource Provides G
Preparing Annotated Bibliographies This resource provides general guidelines and specific examples for creating an annotated bibliography
Grand Canyon University 1 Last Updated August 6 2020prepar
Grand Canyon University 1 Last Updated August 6 2020prepar
© Grand Canyon University 1 Last updated: August 6, 2020 Preparing Annotated Bibliographies This resource provides general guidelines and specific examples for creating an annotated bibliography. Please consult your instructor or check the detailed directions for your assignment, as they may differ from these general guidelines. Definitions: A bibliography (also called references in some styles) is a list (usually alphabetical) of sources (e.g., books, journal articles, reviews, papers, dissertations, and website articles) that are relevant and valuable to a researcher exploring a topic. It usually just contains citation information (author(s), year, title, publisher information, etc.). Refer to the appropriate style guide in the Student Success Center for rules and examples of formatting bibliography/reference entries.
An annotation contains a short summary describing a source and/or an evaluation of it. Depending on the style, the annotation may directly follow the bibliography entry on the same line or may follow on the next line and may have a block or first-line paragraph indent. Thus, an annotated bibliography contains annotations for each of the bibliographic entries. Unless otherwise directed by your assignment, title it Annotated Bibliography. Length: The length of each annotation depends on specific assignment directions.
It can be a few sentences or as long as words. Like an abstract, it should not be more than one paragraph long. It may contain verb phrases with the understanding that the source is the subject, but preferably, it should contain only complete sentences. Selecting Sources: The first step in creating an annotated bibliography is to find relevant sources with valuable information and ideas about your topic. Refer to your assignment for instructions on the specific number and type of source required.
Often, you will be required to utilize the GCU Library to locate sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles and scholarly books). The GCU Library can be accessed at Read abstracts of sources to select the most appropriate. There are a variety of helpful services and tools provided by the GCU Library designed to assist students with locating the best sources for assignments. Popular services include tutorials, live webinars, and subject-specific research guides. Librarians are also available via telephone, email, and chat.
The library’s contact information and hours are located at For those students wishing to compile their source citations in a centralized location with the ability to assist in the creation of bibliography, RefWorks is an excellent option. This is particularly useful for graduate and doctoral students. Information about RefWorks can be found at Whenever utilizing a tool that assists with citation creation, always check the citation that is produced by the software for accuracy and proper formatting. © Grand Canyon University 2 Last updated: August 6, 2020 Types and Content of Annotations: An annotation can be indicative, informative, evaluative, or a combination of the three. Read your assignment directions to determine what type you need.
If unclear, ask your instructor. An indicative annotation tells the reader what the source is about, lists topics, and defines the scope. It does not give any data from the source or evaluate it. An informative annotation is a descriptive summary of the source, giving the thesis, data, and conclusions, but it does not evaluate the source. An evaluative annotation is a critical analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and biases of the source, and why you think it is useful.
An annotation may contain some or all of the following depending on the assignment directions and the content of the source: • Background of the author(s) • Conclusions made by the author(s) • Summary of the content or scope of the text • Outline of the main argument • Intended audience • Research methodology • Reliability of the text • Special features of the text that were unique or helpful (charts, glossary, graphs, etc.) • Relevance or usefulness of the text for your research • How the text relates to themes or concepts in your course • Strengths and weaknesses of the text • Your view or reaction to the text © Grand Canyon University 3 Last updated: August 6, 2020 General Guidelines: When writing annotations, use the third person narrative voice in the literary present tense (e.g., "The author discusses…" and "This work is…").
Do not use first or second person (i.e., avoid the use of I, me, my, mine, we, our, us, you, and your). Focus annotations on summarizing, analyzing, or evaluating the source, and refrain from quoting the source or other sources within the annotation. To review, the following is a simple list of dos and don'ts for writing annotations: • Use third person literary present voice. • Do not use first person (I) or second person (you). • Focus on summarizing, analyzing, or evaluating the source. • Do not cite or quote within the annotation. Guidelines for APA 7th Edition, MLA 8th Edition, and Turabian 8th Edition Annotated Bibliographies APA 7th Edition Style: The 7th edition of the Publication Manual for APA Style gives guidelines for annotated bibliographies in section 9.51.
Annotations follow the basic formatting of block quotes. Doublespace the entire annotated bibliography. Begin with a title, with all major words capitalized, and in bold. Format and order the references the same way as on a reference page, with a hanging indent, where the first line is flush left and each line after is indented 0.5 in. Begin the annotation on a new line after its reference, and indent the annotation 0.5 in. Do not indent the first line of the annotation. MLA 8th Edition Style: The MLA Handbook 8th Edition does not have directions for formatting an annotated bibliography. However, guidance is provided on the MLA website. Annotations may be written as succinct phrases or as complete sentences. Annotations written with phrases continue on from the same line as the entry.
Annotations using complete sentences begin a new paragraph below the entry, indented 0.5inch on the first line. Turabian 8th Edition Style: The guidelines for an annotated bibliography from the Turabian manual specify that full sentence annotations are placed on a new line with paragraph indentation. Paragraph indentation is a 0.5inch indent on the first line of the annotation. Single space within entries but add a line space between entries. © Grand Canyon University 4 Last updated: August 6, 2020 Sample APA Annotated Bibliography Sample Title: Annotated Bibliography Barrett, C. K. (1978).
Paper For Above instruction
Creating a comprehensive annotated bibliography is an essential component of academic research, serving both to organize sources and critically analyze their relevance and quality. This document provides guidance on how to craft an effective annotated bibliography, including definitions, types, formatting styles, and practical tips for selecting and evaluating sources. An annotated bibliography typically includes a list of relevant sources accompanied by brief summaries and critical evaluations, which help clarify the usefulness of each source in addressing the research topic. The process begins with identifying credible and valuable sources, often utilizing university library resources such as peer-reviewed journals, scholarly books, and databases. Proper selection ensures that the sources are aligned with the research objectives and are of high academic quality.
Once sources are selected, the next step involves creating annotations that summarize, analyze, or evaluate the content. Annotations can be indicative, conveying the scope and main topics; informative, providing a detailed summary including thesis and conclusions; or evaluative, offering a critical assessment of strengths, weaknesses, and biases. The choice of annotation type depends on the assignment’s instructions and purpose.
Writing effective annotations requires adherence to specific stylistic guidelines. In APA style, annotations follow the format of block quotes, are double-spaced, and include a hanging indent on the reference list. The annotation itself begins on a new line, indented 0.5 inches from the left margin, with no indentation on the first line. In MLA style, annotations are either continuous phrases or complete sentences, with complete sentences starting on a new paragraph and indented 0.5 inches. Turabian style requires similar indentation and spacing conventions, with annotations placed on new lines with the first line indented 0.5 inches.
Critical to producing a useful annotated bibliography is the assessment of each source’s credibility and relevance. This includes analyzing the research methodology, the author’s background, and the source’s contribution to the field. Including visual elements such as charts or graphs can enhance comprehension, especially for empirical studies.
Effective annotations also include reflections on how each source relates to your research theme, highlighting its significance and potential applications. Overall, crafting well-structured annotations enhances the clarity and scholarly value of your research, providing a solid foundation for further investigation.