Annotated Bibliography Preparation TIPS

Annotated bibliography refers to an alphabetical list of research sources each followed by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. In other words, an annotated bibliography is a summary of the research done on a topic and shows in-depth understanding and evaluation of the sources to be used.

Each source should have the complete bibliographic reference (information for the source according to a particular citation style) and a one-to-two-paragraph (100-200-words long) annotation that reflects, summarizes, critiques, evaluates and/or analyses it. It can include some or all of the following:

• the author’s authority and qualifications;
• main purpose of the work;
• scope of the research made;
• detectable biases, validity and reliability of the research;
• intended audience;
• personal comments/evaluation.

A successful annotation is always concise. It displays the source's central idea(s) and gives the reader a general idea of what the source is about.  In contrast to an abstract, each source’s annotation should be critical and not just a purely descriptive summary.

Below is an example of an annotated bibliography for just one source (APA style). Usually, an annotated bibliography includes 8-15 sources.

Archibold, R. (2006). “Problem of Homelessness in Los Angeles and Its Environs Draws Renewed Calls for Attention”,The New York Times, January 15.

In this article, Archibold discusses homelessness from the political viewpoint and aims to answer why Los Angeles is the capital of homelessness in America. Taking results of different reports and quoting homeless advocates, the journalist provides interesting statistics about homelessness in the city and the measures taken as well as discredits the popular myth that homeless people come to Los Angeles from other places. The article recalls attention to the forgotten problem.

Comparing and analyzing the information provided, Archibold emphasizes discrepancies in campaign promises, official homelessness reports, and commonly spread opinion and explains their political meaning.  An experienced journalist, he points out what was done and what can be done more to prevent a homeless increase in the region. However, it is felt that the author respects the local government, which cannot and does not attempt to skirt the homeless problem in Los Angeles.

Source: AEssay Team

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