Annotated Bibliography

Purpose of an Annotated Bibliography

• To illustrate the scope and quality of one's own research
• To review the literature published on a particular topic
• To allow the reader to see if a particular source was consulted
• To place original research in a historical or theoretical context

Features of an Annotated Bibliography

• Reference Citations (APA or AAA)
• Rhetorical information: include the genre, the purpose, and the intended audience
• Summary of content: include the source’s thesis, methods, and conclusion
• Evaluation of the source: What are this source’s strengths and weaknesses? How might you use this source for you project?

Helpful Questions

• What background does the author have that establishes their authority?
• Who is the intended audience and how does that influence the way information is presented?
• What are the main findings or main conclusions of the source?
• How does this work contribute to your research?

Let's Practice Annotating!

Thrift shopping has become a fad highly visible both in popular culture and alternative contexts. In what ways do people produce meanings through the act of thrift shopping? Does the thrift shopping trend clash with the act of thrift shopping out of economic necessity? Why or why not?