Annotated bibliography
The primary goal of annotating is for you to check the significance of the
reading against your current project definition and priorities and clarify that
definition and priorities. Annotations on an article, therefore, should
indicate its relevance to your topic.
Preparing an annotated bibliography also allows you to
a) compose sentences that may find its way into your writing, and
b) have your citations already typed in (use the format/citation style you
intend to use for your final report).
Both planned and completed readings may be included. Focus is more important
than quantity. Don't pack or pad this with zillions of references you've found
in your searches, but focus on the primary goal stated above. Omit readings
that no longer relate to the current direction of your project.
Your topic might have changed and should be more concise by the time you submit
or resubmit an annotated bibliography. Take stock of that and begin the
bibliography with a revised statement of the current topic and a thesis
question that conveys the focus, orientation, and purpose of your project.
Writing a tighter statement will also help to expose changes, gaps, and
ambiguities.
Updated: 6-17-02