What is an annotated bibliography?

annotated
  • Unlike an essay or literature review, which synthesises different sources and integrates them into one discussion about a topic, an annotated bibliography summarises and critiques each reading separately. Each reading is usually presented in alphabetical order depending on the first letter of the lead author’s surname.
  • The aim of an annotated bibliography is to:
    • summarise the main points discussed in the text
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the text, and
    • discuss its usefulness to your research or to others who are researching this topic.

Structure of an annotated bibliography

annotated Bib structure

Reference details

Full bibliographical details of the text according to the prescribed referencing system.

Summary of text

  •  Depending on your word limit, the summary and critique may be combined into one paragraph or written as two separate paragraphs.
  • Provides a brief summary of the most important points discussed in the text.

Critique of text

Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the text, including:

  •  the strength of the evidence used to support any claims that are made
  •  any bias shown or assumptions made by the author(s)
  •  any important aspects of the topic that have not been adequately discussed in the text

Conclusion

The conclusion would usually be one or two sentences at the end of the paragraph which explains how this text is relevant to your own research, or how it might be useful to other researchers.

Reference details Full bibliographical details of the text according to the prescribed referencing system.
Summary of text
  • Depending on your word limit, the summary and critique may be combined into one paragraph or written as two separate paragraphs.
  •  Provides a brief summary of the most important points discussed in the text.
Critique of text

Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the text, including:

  •  the strength of the evidence used to support any claims that are made
  •  any bias shown or assumptions made by the author(s)
  •  any important aspects of the topic that have not been adequately discussed in the text
Conclusion The conclusion would usually be one or two sentences at the end of the paragraph which explains how this text is relevant to your own research, or how it might be useful to other researchers.

Example annotated bibliography

[Reference details] Rogers, C. 1997, An introduction to the study of Traditional Chinese Medicine: the Five Keys,  3rd edn, Acupuncture Colleges Publishing, Sydney. 

 

[Introductory sentences] The purpose of this text is to offer introductory information to students entering into the  study of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The book examines the fundamental theories of TCM and regularly stresses its differences with the modern medical perspective. 

[Summary of the text] Referring to the Five Flavours, Rogers illuminates the meaning behind a quote in the Huang Di Neijing which explains how they are produced and disseminated by the stomach and spleen. Rogers’ theory is that the stomach and spleen are the most important organs for general wellbeing as they are the ‘first responders’ whenever food is ingested, and therefore affect how energy is first received by the body. He further claims that because the stomach and spleen are responsible for producing the Five Flavours, they are highly influential in terms of our personalities, as these are determined by the interaction between the five flavours, with each person having a different combination of these flavours.

[Critique of the text] Much of the theory is supported by clear and concise diagrams and the language used throughout is informal, which makes it more accessible for non‐academics. However, the details are vague and  do not specify the function or relevance of the Five Flavours in theory or practice from a  TCM viewpoint. Furthermore, although the existence of herbal treatment in TCM is  mentioned, basic concepts and applications are never revealed throughout the text. [Concluding sentences] While  this manuscript may be useful for a layperson being introduced to the key fundamental  concepts of TCM theory and acupuncture practice, it could be unsuitable for academic study  due to the informal language and the lack of supporting evidence for some historical claims.  This book does not contain sufficient detailed information on the Five Flavours theory;  however, it has been useful in providing direction for further research regarding the  relationship between the Five Flavours and the mechanisms involved in their production  within the human body according to TCM theory.

Reference details

Bibliographic Details are always listed separately before the summary of the text. Always check which referencing style to use for your assignment.  
Introductory sentences The introductory sentences explain what the text is about, along with its aim or purpose.
Summary of the text Summary of the text, with a focus on the main claims made by the author.
Critique of the text Critique of the text, with its strengths and weaknesses briefly discussed.
Concluding sentences

The concluding sentences discuss the text’s usefulness and relevance to different audiences, and to the student’s own research.

Click here for more examples of annotated bibliographies written by UTS students.

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