The benefit of an annotated bibliography
An annotated bibliography provides information about specific sources in a chosen area. It summarises the source and gives a broad overview of where the source fits within current thinking in a topic area. It helps develop focus, concision and critical engagement skills and can identify valuable information for developing a literature review or an essay.
The annotated bibliography contains a list of sources, with 1 or 2 paragraphs that summarise the source's content and purpose and offer an evaluation. Each source begins with a fully referenced citation, followed by its paragraphs.
Key points
- An 'annotation' is a paragraph or 2 that briefly summarises and evaluates the source content.
- The sources you select for your bibliography should focus on the same topic.
- The purpose of each annotation is to evaluate how well a particular source has addressed the topic area in its own way.
Word count: 100 to 250 words per annotation is an average length.
Annotation evaluation criteria
An annotation differs from an abstract, which presents an overall summary of the key issues, processes used and outcomes.
Annotations are used to summarise, compare, contrast and evaluate the original source. You need to go beyond a general summary of the key issues identified in your chosen source. Make sure your evaluation addresses these 5 criteria.
Focus
Focus
- How is the topic approached within the source?
- Is this approach narrow or broad in scope?
- Is this a central source in the topic area, or is it on the periphery?
Relevance
Relevance
- Is the source appropriate for its intended audience?
- Could any areas be improved?
- How well qualified is the author in the topic area?
- Is the author more or less qualified than others who have published in the field?
Quality
Quality
- Are the arguments logically presented?
- Do the arguments make sense?
- Is scholarly evidence used to support points?
- Are alternative perspectives acknowledged?
- Are topics covered in enough depth?
- Were opposing pieces of evidence omitted?
- Does the information summarise what others have said or offer something new?
Is the information based on:
- primary data originating in the topic's context, for example, diary entries from soldiers in WWII
- data collected by a researcher studying the subject
- secondary data based on reports summarising events or others' research findings
- a combination of source types?
Accuracy
Accuracy
- How recent is the source?
- Even if it is a recent source published within the last 2 years, does it refer to recently published material?
- Can some of the ideas be supported by other sources you have read on the topic?
General structure and design
General structure and design
- Are clear introductory and concluding sections provided within each chapter?
- Is there a glossary of terms or abbreviations used within the source?
- Is there an index? If so, is it comprehensive?
- Do chapter titles clearly identify the nature of the topic under study?
- Is the information divided into clearly identified sub-sections, which help with understanding the development of ideas?
Critical reading to evaluate a source
Use questions to help evaluate sources.
Annotation length
For university assignments, 100-250 words per annotation is an average length but sometimes annotations can be very brief – only 1 or 2 sentences. The assignment instructions usually specify the word limit for each annotation. If in doubt, check with your course coordinator or lecturer.
How to write an annotated bibliography
1, Select a topic
Take time to select a topic that leads to enough sources. Narrow this down so that you achieve a variety of approaches to the topic (for example, primary or secondary research) and source types (such as books, chapters in edited books, journal articles). This variation should offer opportunities for comparison and evaluation.
2, Select the required sources for your assignment
Begin with the source you think is the most central – this will give you a broad overview of the key issues debated within the selected topic.
3, Summarise the key points
Make notes to summarise the key points, keeping in mind the word limit. For example, summarise the key points in 1 to 2 sentences.
4, Establish the strengths and weaknesses of the source
Use the 5 criteria (focus, relevance, quality, accuracy, and general structure and design) to establish the strengths and weaknesses of the source, as appropriate.
5, Repeat steps 2 to 4 for each source
Continue this process with each source, noting where there are similarities and differences among sources. These comparisons provide opportunities for critical engagement and evaluation as you annotate each source.
Sometimes, your instructions may not want you to cover all of the 5 criteria (for example, general structure and design). You may be expected to focus particularly on critical engagement and locating the source within the wider literature in the subject area. Always check with your lecturer or course coordinator.
Annotated bibliography sample
Annotated bibliography sample This example is from Jingjing Jiang's annotated bibliography, written in 2006 for a Massey University assignment.
Thaman, K. H. (1994). Ecotourism-friendly or the new sell? One woman's view of ecotourism in Pacific Island countries. In A. Emberson-Bain (Ed.), Sustainable development or malignant growth? Perspectives of Pacific Island women (pp. 183-193). Marama Publications.
Thaman argues that there is an inherent contradiction between cultural conservation and ecotourism business: the latter always leads to the erosion of the former. Thaman addresses the importance of indigenous culture, and recognises the gradually increasing phenomenon of cultural alienation. She rejects applying the Western model of ecotourism in the Pacific, and incisively maintains that ecotourism has become a new sell in Pacific Islands, promoted by profits. Consequently, she advocates "ecocultural tourism development" as an alternative form of development. Further, Thaman touches on the issue of gender, and emphasises the role of education in improving people's consciousness.
Like Simmons (1993), Thaman critically examines the crucial problems of ecotourism in developing countries, rather than accepting it as unproblematic. Similar to Scheyvens (1999), Thaman emphasises the importance of local people's full participation, and social and political empowerment, but in different ways. Also like Scheyvens, Thaman believes that it is possible to promote both development and conservation. Thaman's proposal of "ecocultural tourism development" is fairly perceptive, constructive, and more radical than Scheyven's community-based approach. Although Thaman provides incisive views on ecotourism, it is difficult to change people's perceptions radically, and it is unrealistic for foreign donors to relinquish certain rights and provide aid unconditionally. Moreover, Thaman fails to find any solutions derived from the local community's own perspective – what these people can do for their own sake, instead of depending on others.
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