Annotated+Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography

According to the Online Writing Lab for Purdue University, an annotated bibliography will summarize a source, assess or evaluate a source, and/or reflect on the usefulness of that source to the overall project, but will be different depending on the purpose and guidelines of the assignment.

Sample APA Annotated Bibliography:

Ehrenreich, B. (2001). Nickel and dimed: On (not) getting by in America. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

In this book of nonfiction based on the journalist's experiential research, Ehrenreich attempts to ascertain whether it is currently possible for an individual to live on a minimum-wage in America. Taking jobs as a waitress, a maid in a cleaning service, and a Walmart sales employee, the author summarizes and reflects on her work, her relationships with fellow workers, and her financial struggles in each situation.

An experienced journalist, Ehrenreich is aware of the limitations of her experiment and the ethical implications of her experiential research tactics and reflects on these issues in the text. The author is forthcoming about her methods and supplements her experiences with scholarly research on her places of employment, the economy, and the rising cost of living in America. Ehrenreich’s project is timely, descriptive, and well-researched.

** Please note: The annotation above both summarizes and assesses the book in the citation. The first paragraph provides a brief summary of the author's project in the book, covering the main points of the work. The second paragraph points out the project’s strengths and evaluates its methods and presentation. This particular annotation does not reflect on the source’s potential importance or usefulness for this person’s own research.

Your page will be titled all in caps ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY and your last name will appear in the header with the page number to identify your paper.

Outdated information can severely affect your research. ||
 * * The following questions will help you evaluate your sources:
 * *** Is the source appropriate?
 * *** Is the author biased or prejudiced? In other words, is this a real study of information or just someone’s opinion with no real proof to back it up.
 * *** Is the author a reliable source? (Check the author’s credentials)
 * *** Is it current? Any source from before 1990 MUST be approved by me.