An annotated bibliography is a bibliography that gives a summary of the research that has been done. It is still an alphabetical list of research sources. In addition to bibliographic data, an annotated bibliography provides a brief summary or annotation. Bibliographies at the University Library of Graz Bibliography (from Greek: βιβλιογραφία, bibliographia; lit. ... Research is a human activity based on intellectual investigation and aimed at discovering, interpreting, and revising human knowledge on different aspects of the world. ... Annotation is extra information associated with a particular point in a document or other piece of information. ...

Annotations

The purpose of annotations is to provide the reader with a summary and an evaluation of the source. In order to write a successful annotation, each summary must be concise and brief. An annotation should display the source's central idea(s) and give the reader a general idea of what the source is about. ^[1] Annotation is extra information associated with a particular point in a document or other piece of information. ...

An annotation should include the complete bibliographic information for the source. It should also include some or all of the following:

• An explanation about the authority and/or qualifications of the author.
• Scope or main purpose of the work.
• Any detectable bias.
• Intended audience and level of reading
• A summary comment

An annotation should be between 100 to 200 words, ideally.^[2]

Indicative Annotations

This type of annotation defines the scope of the source, lists the significant topics and explains what the source is about. In this type of entry, there is no attempt to give actual data such as hypotheses, proofs, etc. ^[3]

Informative Annotations

This type of annotation is a summary of the source. An informative annotation should include the thesis of the work, arguments or hypotheses, proofs and a conclusion.^[3]

Evaluative Annotations

This type of annotation assesses the source's strengths and weaknesses. An indiction of how the source is useful and how it is not should be included. Simply put, an evaluative annotation should evaluate the source's usefulness.^[3]

Combination Annotations

Most annotated bibliographies contain combination annotations. This type of annotation will summarize or describe the topic, and then evaluate the source's usefulness.^[3]

Writing Styles

No matter which writing style is used for annotations, all entries should be brief. Only the most significant details should be mentioned. Information that is apparent in the title can be omitted from the annotation. In addition, background materials and any references to previous work are usually exluded.^[4]

Telegraphic

A telegraphic writing style gets the information out quickly and concisely. Although maintaining clarity, complete and grammatically correct sentences are not necessary.^[4]

Complete Sentences

A complete sentences writing style utilizes coherent sentences that are grammatically correct. Subjects and conjunctions are not eliminated even though the tone may be terse. Long and complex sentences are to generally be avoided.^[4]

Paragraph

A paragraph writing style utilizes a full, coherent paragraph. This can sometimes be similar to the form of a bibliographic essay. Complete sentences and proper grammar must be used.^[4]

Purpose

There are 3 main purposes behind writing an annotated bibliography. Each purpose can serve anyone in a different manner, depending on what they are trying to accomplish.

Learning About A Topic

Writing an annotated bibliography is an excellent way to begin any research project. While it may seem easier to simply copy down bibliographical information, adding annotations will force the researcher to read each source carefully. An annotation requires the source to be critically analyzed, not simply read over. ^[5]

Formulating A Thesis

Any form of research paper or essay will require some form of argument. This is called a thesis. A developed thesis needs to be debatable, interesting and current. Writing an annotated bibliography will give the researcher a clear understanding about what is being said about their topic. After reading and critically analyzing sources, the researcher will be able to determine what issues there are and what people are arguing about. From there, the researcher will be able to develop their own point of view. ^[5] A thesis (from Greek position) is an intellectual proposition. ...

To Assist Other Researchers

Extensive and scholarly annotated bibliographies are sometimes published. The purpose of these annotated bibliographies is to provide a complete and comprehensive overview of any given topic. While any normal researcher may not get their own annotated bibliography published, it could be a good idea to search for previously published annotated bibliographies that are related to their topic. ^[5]

References

1. ^ Carlson, Laurie. "Annotated Bibliographies." KU Writing Center. University of Kansas. Last accessed on 15 November 2006 <http://www.writing.ku.edu/students/docs/bibs.html>.
2. ^ "How to Write Annotated Bibliographies." 22 April 2003. Queen Elizabeth II Library of Memorial University of Newfoundland Libraries. Last accessed on 15 November 2006 <http://www.library.mun.ca/guides/howto/annotated_bibl.php>.
3. ^ ^{a b c d} "Annotated Bibliography." The Writing Center. 2003. University of Wisconsin, Madison. Last accessed on 15 November 2006 http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/AnnBib_content.html
4. ^ ^{a b c d} "Annotated Bibliography." The Writing Center. 2003. University of Wisconsin, Madison. Last accessed on 15 November 2006 http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/AnnBib_style.html
5. ^ ^{a b c} "Annotated Bibliographies." Geoff Stacks and Erin Karper. 2001. Purdue University. Last accessed on 16 November 2006 http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_annotatedbib.html