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A bibliography is a list of sources like books, websites, and articles that you used while researching your topic. It provides details like the author's name, title, and publisher, so your reader can find the original sources you are referring to.

An annotation is a summary or evaluation of a source. So, an annotated bibliography includes your citation plus a summary and/or evaluation of each source you used. This guide will walk you through the process of crafting an annotated bibliography in Chicago style.

Understanding the Basics of an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography in Chicago style serves two primary functions: it details publication information and offers a summary or evaluation of each source.

Example

Harari, Yuval Noah. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. New York: Harper, 2015.

Examination of human history from the emergence of archaic human species over two million years ago to the present. It covers the cognitive, agricultural, and scientific revolutions, highlighting their impact on human societies. Harari combines history, anthropology, and biology to provide a comprehensive overview. Harari's engaging narrative and thought-provoking analysis make this book a valuable resource for understanding human evolution and societal development.

Annotations are important because they give you insights into the sources you use in your research. There are two main types of annotations: descriptive and evaluative.

Descriptive Annotations

Descriptive annotations give a brief summary of the main points and ideas in a source. They help you keep track of what you have read and provide a quick overview of sources related to your topic.

Example

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of research methodology from a philosophical standpoint.

Evaluative Annotations

Evaluative annotations go a step further by providing a detailed analysis and personal opinion on the source. They assess the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s arguments, discuss how useful the source is for your research, and evaluate the reliability of the evidence presented.

Example

While the author's writing style is clear and accessible, some readers may find certain sections to be overly technical or dense.

How Long Should Annotations Be?

The length of your annotations can vary depending on the depth of analysis and the length of the source. An essay might be summarized in a couple of sentences, whereas a book might require several paragraphs.

In general, try to keep your annotations between 50 to 200 words. However, always check with your instructor for specific length requirements and the number of sources you need to annotate.

Formatting an Annotated Bibliography

Proper formatting is crucial in an annotated bibliography. Each entry begins with a Chicago-style citation, which provides full publication details of the source. The formatting for the citation should follow standard bibliography guidelines:

  • Single-spaced
  • Each line after the first is indented with a hanging indent
  • Arranged alphabetically by the author's last name

The annotation itself appears directly after the source citation and should follow these formatting guidelines:

  • Double-spaced
  • Left-aligned
  • Start each new paragraph with an indented first line

Steps to Create an Annotated Bibliography

Creating an annotated bibliography involves more than just listing your sources; it requires summarizing and evaluating each one. Follow these steps to ensure your annotated bibliography is well-organized and informative:

  1. Choose Your Sources: Pick sources that are important for your research topic. Make sure to include different types of sources, like books, articles, and websites.
  2. Create Citations: Write down the details of each source using Chicago style. Include the author's name, title, place of publication, publisher, and date.
  3. Write Annotations: For each source, write a short description or evaluation. Summarize what it says, explain how it is useful, and mention its strengths and weaknesses.
  4. Format Your Bibliography: List your entries in alphabetical order by the author's last name. Make sure each annotation is correctly formatted.
Example

Kerr, Don, and Roderic Beaujot. "Child Poverty and Family Structure in Canada, 1981-1997." Journal of Comparative Family Studies 34, no. 3 (2003): 321-335.

In this study, sociology professors Don Kerr and Roderic Beaujot explore how family structure affects child poverty in Canada from 1981 to 1997. Using data from Canada’s annual Survey of Consumer Finances, they look at whether families had one or two parents, the age of single parents, and the number of children in each household. They also consider broader economic issues. Kerr and Beaujot's findings highlight the complex relationship between family dynamics and economic stability, offering insights into the factors influencing child poverty in Canada.

Pro Tips for Creating an Annotated Bibliography

Creating an annotated bibliography is a key part of your research process.

Here are some helpful tips to make sure you do it right:

  • Keep It Short. Briefly summarize the main points and ideas of each source.
  • Think Critically. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each source. Consider the author's perspective, the evidence presented, and the source's relevance to your research.
  • Stay Organized. Make sure your entries are in alphabetical order and follow the same format.

Conclusion

An annotated bibliography not only helps in organizing sources but also provides a critical overview of the research landscape. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can create a well-structured annotated bibliography in Chicago style that will improve your academic projects and research.

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