Annotated bibliography.

For some reason, annotated bibliographies strike fear in the hearts of many students. Annotated bibs are actually really easy and if you are even moderately interested in the subject at hand, they can be informative and enjoyable, as well.

Whatever your citation style is, it will be consistent throughout bib. No need to wonder where the date goes this time, it goes the same place it went last time. Everything that should be in italics is italicized the fourth time, just as it was the first. Easy. Stop fussing and just do it.

The annotations themselves vary, a bit. Often instructors provide their own requirements, but the two areas into which most annotations fall are a 1) brief review of the contents or 2) a brief description of how the contents relate specifically to your subject.

For a brief review of contents, simply describe the subject, methods, and results of the work. Since the majority of published research has these described in distinctly labeled sections, this should be simple and fast enough. If you find yourself struggling, give the description aloud and try pretending that you are describing it to a friend or, if it helps, even complaining about: “Why on earth would anyone do research on the effects of salt consumption in diabetic mice?” If you find yourself feeling like complaining, why not use it to your advantage!

The second variety of annotated bib can be a bit harder. Often, a writer in the research stage is entirely certain about their subject yet. They are still learning about the research and determining a course of action. Do not let this stop you! Write up the aspects that you believe will be relevant, if you nothing jumps out at you, choose the study’s primary outcome and write it up. It is OK if it changes later.

Remember that the point of the annotated bib is to learn what the available research says; do not be caught up in every word being a promise to which you will be held for the remainder of your project. It is a tool, not a hurdle.