Why read an Annotated Bibliography?

For readers and researchers, an Annotated Bibliography provides a great introduction to a topic. One can begin to comprehend the predominant theories or ideologies concerning a topic, or one may find the foundational texts or identify the "movers and shakers" in the field. Because the format includes a citation, every reader is invited (and every researcher is ordered!) to view the sources and evaluate them independently.

Why create an Annotated Bibliography?

As a writer, creating an Annotated Bibliography helps you to keep track of sources (what you've researched, what each source entails, and how to locate those sources again), chart their usefulness, and recognize the role different sources have in the "conversation" concerning your topic. It also provides you with a way to consider the role of your writing / scholarship in the conversation. Ask yourself: what will you be contributing to the scholarship (or conversation) about this topic?

The AB entries are brought together and listed in the standard Works Cited (alphabetical) order.

What about the blog assignment?

If you blog a reading (as opposed to blogging a topic overview or writing snippet), you should do so as an Annotated Bibliography entry using MLA documentation format. (Sample blog).
Be aware that the blog format has some formatting limitations, but it also has some perks. You will not be able to create a hanging indent for the citation, nor will you be able to indicate a web link within angled brackets (< >). However, you can create a hyperlink within your citation (and, of course, within your text). You can direct readers to your online sources, including film clips, music, primary sources-- you name it!

These links will open in a new window. If you use a pop-up blocker, you may wish to right-click on the link and click on either "open link" or "open link in new window."

How to Guides

• Annotated Bibliographies
  (from the Writing Center at UW-Madison)
• How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography (Cornell University)
• Annotated Bibliographies (Purdue University)

Online Samples

• "Musical Borrowing: An Annotated Bibliography"
  An extensive AB, but a worthwhile example as to content.
• Jewish Women in America (sample page/ authors A-E)
• Distance Education for Technical Writing (PDF)