Annotated Bibliography Essentials: Overview

Monday, June 10, 2019 Annotated Bibliography , Expert Advice , research No comments

The annotated bibliography is a common course assignment for Walden University students and is a useful tool with which writers can organize their research. Over the next weeks, we will share an in-depth look at each of the different elements of the annotated bibliography. We hope this blog series will help Walden's scholar-practitioners understand, complete, and utilize this helpful scholarly research writing tool. Enjoy! And stay tuned for the next entries in this series!

Annotated Bibliography Essentials: Overview

What is an annotated bibliography and why can’t I find the formula for it in the APA Publication Manual?

While the APA Style Blog points out that there is not a specific format for annotated bibliographies and mentions that, in fact, “APA Style doesn’t use bibliographies of any sort,” the annotated bibliography is a useful form for writers to utilize. Specifically, the annotated bibliography is a writing form that allows writers the opportunity to showcase the information they have gleaned from each of their research sources; what they make of that information; and important conclusions they have drawn, reached, and processed.

Most importantly, partaking in creating an annotated bibliography serves a greater purpose. It allows writers the opportunity to assess what research has come before them, showcase why they interpret the research the way they do, and see where they, as researchers and writers, can both contribute and participate in the greater research conversations that are going on in their fields.

What annotated bibliography form do Walden University writers use?

We have a solid tried and true definition and form on our website that Walden students can look to for suggested form and formatting of the annotated bibliography:

An annotated bibliography is a list of references that not only identifies the sources of information but also includes information such as a summary, a critique or analysis, and an application of those sources' information.

Thus, Walden students will want to be sure to format their annotated bibliographies to include four main parts for each of their research sources. These four parts are the reference entry, summary, analysis, and application.

So, what is the purpose of the annotated bibliography?

I like to think about the annotated bibliography as a way to prove that I have formatted the sources I used correctly in providing correct reference entries, so my readership can find each one of my sources effortlessly, and that the summary, analysis, and application sections reflect a truly valuable bundle. Each of these components showcase important perspectives and different vantage points on the research at hand.

In the summary, writers reveal that they have read the source thoroughly and have reflected to readers what it is about overall. Showing their readership that they know their research well in the analysis section entails that they point out what the author or authors have highlighted and what the authors have not highlighted, what they have missed, avoided, or simply not brought to fruition. In a nutshell the summary and analysis serve as proof to readers: proof that the writer has done their research and that they know what each author has shared on the topic at hand and what they make of it.

Reflecting this knowledge and deep analysis gives writers credibility as valuable and reputable sources themselves. Thus, their readership knows that they have done the work that allows them to make associations in the application section and decipher where the gaps in research are on their topic and where there may be questions left unanswered and problems left unsolved.

If writers do this bundle of reference entry, summary, analysis, and application for each of their sources well, they most likely have earned their seat at the table as a reputable researcher and writer armed with valuable takes and contributions on their topic that will benefit their field at large. And, who doesn’t want a seat at the table and perhaps possible publication someday?

If you're curious to learn more, click here to view all of the posts in this five-part series on Annotated Bibliography Essentials!

Christina Lundberg received her BA from the University of Minnesota and obtained her MFA from Naropa University. Presenting over 6 years of college teaching experience at various academic settings, Christina has taught a wide array of English courses both residential and online. Christina is driven by the desire to grow, shape, and develop a page to reach its highest potential. In her position as a Walden University Writing Instructor, she enjoys witnessing the transformations of a good paper grow into greatness.