Research Summary/Annotated Bibliography

Annotation is a basic scholarly skill, and it is something you should practice anytime you do research or academic reading of any kind. In its simplest form, annotating means taking notes. However, it is more than just summary or quotation. (In fact, annotations should include very little or no quotation.)

You will need to collect, read critically, take notes on, and annotate the sources for your research topic. Your bibliography will be evaluated according to how effectively you accomplish the following:

• Cite each source properly in MLA or APA format. Refer to your handbook, the writing center, or another reliable and current resource for help. For online reference, Purdue University has a good website about source documentation. 
• In no more than two double-spaced pages, summarize each source accurately and concisely.
• Make clear why each source belongs in the conversation.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Remember, a summary should convey the main points and key arguments of the source.
• A summary should also be written in your own words.
• Be careful to avoid plagiarism.
• Practice effective note taking skills by reading, highlighting, reviewing, and then putting your source away before drafting your summary.
• Make certain you cite the source accurately and pay attention to important details such as date, medium of publication, and publisher. 

The following questions will help guide you through this process:
Authority:

• Is the author an expert in the field? Explain.
• Is the author affiliated with a reputable university, government agency, or organization? Explain.
• Has the author published other articles or books? Discuss.
• Is the publisher well-known? Is the publisher a university, government agency, a well-known organization or company? Explain.
• Has the author provided any contact information? Discuss.

Accuracy:

• Is the information reliable, well-researched, and clearly presented? Explain.
• Does the information report facts, or does it offer the author’s personal opinions? Explain.
• Are facts cited and verified with references, footnotes, or a bibliography? Explain.
• Is the information scholarly or from a peer reviewed source? Explain.
• Is similar information available in other sources such as scholarly articles? Explain.
• What is the purpose of the information? Is it intended to inform or to entertain? Is it objective or subjective? Explain.

Currency:

• Is the information up-to-date?
• Is there evidence of newly added or updated information?
• If the information is dated, is it still suitable for your topic?

You do not need to answer every question from the three areas above in your annotations. Use them to assess the credibility of your sources and justify your decision to include the source.

Here are a few examples of annotated bibliographies:
MLA:

• http://guides.library.cornell.edu/annotatedbibliography
• http://uwc.ucf.edu/files/handouts/Annotated-Bibliography-Handout-Fall2011.pdf
• http://libguides.brandonu.ca/content.php?pid=26571&sid=207491

APA:

• http://www.bethel.edu/library/research/apa-annobib-sixth.pdf
• http://library.ucf.edu/rosen/guide_annotated.php
• http://www-bcf.usc.edu/~genzuk/APA_Format_Annotated_Bibliography.pdf

This assignment is due in class on Monday, July 7, 2014. You will bring a typed, double-spaced, paper with you to class that day. You will also post your completed assignment on your blog. You are welcome to wait until I grade your assignment before posting it on your blog, or you can post it earlier and edit the post after I give your paper back.