Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources (books, articles, websites, etc.) with a brief summary (annotation) of each source. Here are two examples:

Smith, J. K. (2018). Urban Planning: A Comparative Analysis. Cambridge University Press.

Annotation: Smith’s book offers a comparative analysis of urban planning approaches from different cities around the world. The author explores the evolution of urban planning strategies, their impact on urban development, and the challenges faced in contemporary urban environments. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of urban planning, making it valuable for those interested in the field.

Johnson, A. L. (2019). “Economic Growth in Emerging Markets: A Comparative Study.” International Journal of Economics, 42(2), 215-237.

Annotation: In this scholarly article, Johnson presents a comparative analysis of economic growth trends in emerging markets. The research investigates factors contributing to economic development in diverse regions and offers insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by these markets. This source is a valuable reference for those studying the dynamics of emerging economies.

Writing your own Annotated Bibliography

Step 1: Understand the Purpose

Before you start creating an annotated bibliography, it’s important to understand its purpose. An annotated bibliography is a list of sources (books, articles, websites, etc.) with a brief summary (annotation) of each source. The purpose is to:

  • Summarize the source’s content.
  • Assess the source’s relevance and quality.
  • Reflect on how the source contributes to your research

Step 2: Choose Your Sources

Select the sources that are relevant to your research topic. Use reliable databases, library catalogs, and academic search engines to find scholarly materials.

Step 3: Citation Style

Determine the citation style you’ll be using (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Make sure to adhere to the specific formatting guidelines for your chosen style.

Step 4: Create the Bibliography

For each source, include the following elements:

  1. Citation: Write the complete citation in the chosen style. Include the author’s name, title of the source, publication date, and other relevant details.
  2. Summary: Write a concise summary of the source. This should include a brief overview of the main points and arguments, the methodology used, and the conclusions.
  3. Relevance: Explain how the source is relevant to your research. Is it a primary source? Does it offer a unique perspective on your topic? Does it fill a gap in the existing literature?
  4. Quality: Assess the quality of the source. Is it peer-reviewed? Is the author an expert in the field? Are there any biases or limitations in the source?

Step 5: Formatting

Make sure to format your annotated bibliography according to the citation style you’ve chosen. This includes the layout, font size, line spacing, and indentation.

Step 6: Proofread

Review your annotated bibliography for errors in citation style, grammar, and spelling. Ensure that all the information is accurate and properly formatted.

Step 7: Additional Tips

  • Keep your annotations concise, typically around 150-200 words.
  • Organize your annotated bibliography alphabetically by the author’s last name or chronologically if you prefer.
  • Use a hanging indent for your citations (the first line flush left, and subsequent lines indented).

Step 8: Seek Assistance

If you’re unsure about any aspect of creating an annotated bibliography, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from your librarian or instructor. They can provide guidance and answer specific questions about your assignment.