Writing an Annotated Bibliography

 

An annotated bibliography is a list or books and/or articles with a note of guidance added to each entry. Arranged alphabetically by author, each item includes all standard bibliographic information (i.e., statement of author, title, edition, place of publication, publisher, date of publication), and the annotation.

 

The annotation is a brief description or explanation or material, intended as a guide for the reader. It may be descriptive, indicating the major points of the work, or evaluative, giving the annotator's opinion of the work. While the annotation may be written in conventional sentence style, it is common practice to use an abbreviated telegraphic style, which omits introductory words and phrases, articles, and unnecessary modifiers.

 

While annotations vary according to the personal taste and style of the annotator, they generally follow a format which begins with the principal point, presents subsidiary or supporting points, and concludes. In an evaluative annotation the conclusion is often a recommendation of some sort.

 

When writing an annotation keep the following points in mind:

 

1. 1. Write clearly and concisely; 30-60 words will usually suffice.
   2. State the Authority and qualifications of the author, if pertinent.
   3. Describe the subject and scope of the work.
   4. Indicate any bias or limits of the work.
   5. Indicate the intended audience of the work, particularly if any expertise or lack thereof is necessary to appreciate the work.
   6. Compare the work to others in the field, if relevant.
   7. Point out any features of importance, e.g., index, illustrations, etc.
   8. Avoid repetition or information explicit in the title.

 

The following annotated bibliography lists items for further reading and consultation. It also provides five examples of annotations to illustrate the various points mentioned above.

 

1. Campbell, William Giles, and Stephen Vaughan Ballou. Form and Style: Thesis, Reports & Term Papers. 6th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1982. Pp. 103, 109, 115. (reflLB/2369/C3/1982) .
   The standard style manual used at CSUS describes briefly what an annotation is, explains how to cite and type an annotated entry, and includes ft page-long example of an annotated bibliography.
3. Carter, Mary Dunean, Wallace John Bonk, and Rose Mary Magill. Building Library Collections. 4th ed. Metuehen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1974. Pp. 109-111. (Z/689/C29/1974)
   Explains and suggests points to be considered in writing a book note; like Haines' article, (see below) includes example of good and bad language; directed toward the librarian, but advice is appropriate for students.
5. Haines, Helen. "The Art of Annotation," in Readings in Building Library Collections, edited by Mary Virginia Gauer. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1961. 1:380-89. (Z/689/G35/v.1)
   Originally published in 1950 in her book Living with books, the author's advice to librarians is still valid. It delineates point_ the annotation should cover, and suggests how the annotator may achieve successful results. Includes good examples of how and how not to write.
7. Katz., Williams A. "Annotations," in Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science. Edited by Allen Kent and Harold Lancour. NY: Marcel Dekker, 1968. 1:424-429. (ref/Z/l006/E57/v.1)
   Briefly defines, describes and traces the development of annotation; suggests points to be covered; includes a reading list; directed to those writing subjective, evaluative annotations.