District 205 – Senior Project – Annotated Bibliography Form 6
2010-2011
WHAT IS AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY?
A bibliography is a list of sources (books, journals, websites, periodicals, etc.) one has used for researching a
topic. Bibliographies are sometimes called "references" or "works cited" depending on the style format you are
using. A bibliography usually just includes the bibliographic information (i.e., the author, title, publisher, etc.).
An annotation is a summary and/or evaluation
WHY SHOULD I WRITE AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY?
To learn about your topic: Writing an annotated bibliography is excellent preparation for a research project.
Just collecting sources for a bibliography is useful, but when you have to write annotations for each source,
you're forced to read each source more carefully. You begin to read more critically instead of just collecting
information. Writing an annotated bibliography can help you gain a good perspective on what is being said
about your topic. By reading and responding to a variety of sources on a topic, you'll start to see what the issues
are, what people are arguing about, and you'll then be able to develop your own point of view.
HOW DO I WRITE AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY?
First, locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and
ideas on your topic. Briefly examine and review the actual items. Then choose TEN works that provide a
variety of perspectives on your topic.
Cite the book, article, or document using APA style.
1. Double space the entire bibliography, including within the citations and annotations.
2. Hanging Indents are required for citations in the bibliography. That is, the first line of the citation
starts at the left margin. Subsequent lines of the citation are indented 4 spaces.
3. At the end of the citation, press the Return Key to drop down to the next line (double spaced). Do
not add a blank line.
4. The annotation is indented as a block, 2 additional spaces.
5. The right margin is the normal right margin of your document.
Once your citation is complete, you may begin your annotation by answering the questions below in paragraph
form. Each category should consist of 2-3 complete sentences in the paragraph.
Summarize: Some annotations merely summarize the source. What are the main arguments? What is the point
of this book or article? What topics are covered? If someone asked what this article/book is about, what would
you say? (Answer in 2-3 complete sentences)
Assess: After summarizing a source, it may be helpful to evaluate it. Is it a useful source? How does it compare
with other sources in your bibliography? Is the information reliable? Is this source biased or objective? What is
the goal of this source? (Answer in 2-3 complete sentences)
Reflect: Once you've summarized and assessed a source, you need to ask how it fits into your research. Was
this source helpful to you? How does it help you shape your argument? How can you use this source in your
research project? Has it changed how you think about your topic? (Answer in 2-3 complete sentences)
District 205 – Senior Project – Annotated Bibliography Form 6
2010-2011
SAMPLE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Meyers, Margaret. (2010). The Future of high school teachers. Secondary Education Teachers Today, 101(16), 115.
The future of high school teachers in Illinois is uncertain due to the financial devastation that the state is
currently undergoing. Governor Pat Quinn has estimated that 17,000 teachers throughout the state will lose
their jobs, which equates to thousands of secondary education teachers being let go. Margaret Meyers
confirms the current data that the Illinois government has proposed. The current statistics given for teacher
employment has made me reconsider my future career choice as an English teacher. After further review of
the future job market for teachers, I have decided to go into a career in computer science.
Miller, Stephanie, . (2010). The World of secondary education. South Holland, Illinois: Smith-Townes
Publishing Company.
The World of Secondary Education supports the fundamental foundations of education, which are that every
child has the ability to learn. Stephanie Miller provides many examples of ways in which student success is
directly related to early academic involvement. After reading this book, I can attest that it is both useful and
meaningful to secondary education. The book has a 2010 copyright date and the research conducted has been
gathered in the last five years. This book provided me with an inside view of the World of Secondary
Education. I am now better informed about my career choice and know that I have chosen the right career for
me.
Peters, Ronald, . (2008). Shut up and learn: a guide to classroom management. Wichita, Kansas: Yellow Brick Road
Publishing.
Ronald Peters helps teachers learn how to adopt traditional and nontraditional classroom management skills
within their classroom. One of his traditional methods is transforming your classroom into a military boot
camp in order to control the class and let students know who is in charge. Although Mr. Peter’s makes his
methods appear research based, there is no evidence that any of his methods have been successful. I believe
Mr. Peter’s is looking to transform America’s youth using methods that will be counterproductive to the
learning process. His information was not helpful because I do not agree with his methods of classroom
District 205 – Senior Project – Annotated Bibliography Form 6
2010-2011
management. After reading this book, I am more aware of the need for more non- traditional classroom
management strategies.
Smith, Lucy, Initials. (2010, June 04). How to be the best Secondary education teacher. Retrieved from
http://www.secondaryeducation.net/
Lucy Smith clearly identifies the importance of being an outstanding educator. She covers topics such as,
how to deal with difficult parents, classroom management, teacher evaluations and positive collegial
relationships. Ms. Smith has a background, that consist of 23 years of secondary education teaching as well
as her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. On her webpage she provides extensive research based
studies, that have proven to help secondary educators be successful in the classroom. This webpage gave me
a broader outlook on the field of education. I understand the goals and expectations that are placed upon
teachers and have a better understanding of the job that secondary teachers perform.
Teachers--Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and Secondary. (2006). Occupational outlook handbook.
Indianapolis, IN: Jist Publishing, Inc.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides a wealth of information on many careers, but the section on
secondary education discussed the details on working conditions, qualifications, employment, job outlook and
earnings. The job market for Secondary Education teachers varies by school, location and subject taught,
making the future employment rate unknown. Due to the current state of education in Illinois, the
information given is outdated and does not give me a clear understanding of what to expect from the job
market. It was helpful with explaining the nature of the work and working conditions however, the accuracy
of earnings and employment are questionable. I did not find this source as useful as other current sources.
After reading the information, I had more questions about my career choice.
District 205 – Senior Project – Annotated Bibliography Form 6
2010-2011
Examples of APA Citations from Sources
Article from an Online Periodical
Online articles follow the same guidelines for printed articles. Include all information the online host makes
available, including an issue number in parentheses.
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Online Periodical, volume number
(issue number if available). Retrieved from http://www.someaddress.com/full/url/
Bernstein, M. (2002). 10 tips on writing the living Web. A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites, 149.
Retrieved from http://www.alistapart.com/articles/writeliving
Newspaper Article
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of article. Title of Newspaper. Retrieved from
http://www.someaddress.com/full/url/
Parker-Pope, T. (2008, May 6). Psychiatry handbook linked to drug industry. The New York Times. Retrieved from
http://www.nytimes.com
Online Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
Often encyclopedias and dictionaries do not provide bylines (authors' names). When no byline is present, move
the entry name to the front of the citation. Provide publication dates if present or specify (n.d.) if no date is
present in the entry.
Feminism. (n.d.) In Encyclopædia Britannica online. Retrieved from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/724633/feminism
District 205 – Senior Project – Annotated Bibliography Form 6
2010-2011
Online Lecture Notes and Presentation Slides
When citing online lecture notes, be sure to provide the file format in brackets after the lecture title (e.g.
PowerPoint slides, Word document).
Hallam, A. Duality in consumer theory [PDF document]. Retrieved from Lecture Notes Online Web site:
http://www.econ.iastate.edu/classes/econ501/Hallam/
index.html
Roberts, K. F. (1998). Federal regulations of chemicals in the environment [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from
http://siri.uvm.edu/ppt/40hrenv/index.html
Online Forum or Discussion Board Posting
Include the title of the message, and the URL of the newsgroup or discussion board. Please note that titles for
items in online communities (e.g. blogs, newsgroups, forums) are not italicized. If the author's name is not
available, provide the screen name. Place identifiers like post or message numbers, if available, in brackets. If
available, provide the URL where the message is archived (e.g. "Message posted to..., archived at...").
Frook, B. D. (1999, July 23). New inventions in the cyberworld of toylandia [Msg 25]. Message posted to
http://groups.earthlink.com/forum/messages/00025.html
Blog (Weblog) and Video Blog Post
Include the title of the message and the URL. Please note that titles for items in online communities (e.g. blogs,
newsgroups, forums) are not italicized. If the author’s name is not available, provide the screen name.
Dean, J. (2008, May 7). When the self emerges: Is that me in the mirror? [Web log comment]. Retrieved from
http://www.spring.org.uk/
the1sttransport. (2004, September 26). Psychology Video Blog #3 [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqM90eQi5-M
Wikis
Please note that the APA Style Guide to Electronic References warns writers that wikis (like Wikipedia, for
example) are collaborative projects which cannot guarantee the verifiability or expertise of their entries.
OLPC Peru/Arahuay. (n.d.). Retrieved from the OLPC Wiki: http://wiki.laptop. org/go/OLPC_Peru/Arahuay
District 205 – Senior Project – Annotated Bibliography Form 6
2010-2011
Audio Podcast
For all podcasts, provide as much information as possible; not all of the following information will be available.
Possible addition identifiers may include Producer, Director, etc.
Bell, T. & Phillips, T. (2008, May 6). A solar flare. Science @ NASA Podcast. Podcast retrieved from
http://science.nasa.gov/podcast.htm
Video Podcasts
For all podcasts, provide as much information as possible; not all of the following information will be available.
Possible addition identifiers may include Producer, Director, etc.
Scott, D. (Producer). (2007, January 5). The community college classroom [Episode 7]. Adventures in Education.
Podcast retrieved from http://www.adveeducation.com
Basic Format for Books
Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle. Location: Publisher.
Note: For "Location," you should always list the city and the state using the two letter postal abbreviation
without periods (New York, NY).
Calfee, R. C., & Valencia, R. R. (1991). APA guide to preparing manuscripts for journal publication. Washington,
DC: American Psychological Association.
Edited Book, No Author
Duncan, G. J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (Eds.). (1997). Consequences of growing up poor. New York, NY: Russell Sage
Foundation.
Article in a Magazine
Henry, W. A., III. (1990, April 9). Making the grade in today's schools. Time, 135, 28-31.
District 205 – Senior Project – Annotated Bibliography Form 6
2010-2011
Article in a Newspaper
Unlike other periodicals, p. or pp. precedes page numbers for a newspaper reference in APA style. Single pages
take p., e.g., p. B2; multiple pages take pp., e.g., pp. B2, B4 or pp. C1, C3-C4.
Schultz, S. (2005, December 28). Calls made to strengthen state energy policies. The Country Today, pp. 1A, 2A.
Motion Picture
Basic reference list format:
Producer, P. P. (Producer), & Director, D. D. (Director). (Date of publication). Title of motion picture [Motion
picture]. Country of origin: Studio or distributor.
Television Broadcast or Series Episode
Producer, P. P. (Producer). (Date of broadcast or copyright). Title of broadcast [ Television broadcast or Television
series ]. City of origin: Studio or distributor.
Single Episode of a Television Series
Writer, W. W. (Writer), & Director, D. D. (Director). (Date of publication). Title of episode [Television series
episode]. In P. Producer (Producer), Series title. City of origin: Studio or distributor.
Wendy, S. W. (Writer), & Martian, I. R. (Director). (1986). The rising angel and the falling ape [Television series
episode]. In D. Dude (Producer), Creatures and monsters. Los Angeles, CA: Belarus Studios.
A Television Series
Bellisario, D.L. (Producer). (1992). Exciting action show [Television series]. Hollywood: American Broadcasting
Company.
District 205 – Senior Project – Annotated Bibliography Form 6
2010-2011
Music Recording
Songwriter, W. W. (Date of copyright). Title of song [Recorded by artist if different from song writer]. On Title of
album [Medium of recording]. Location: Label. (Recording date if different from copyright date).
Taupin, B. (1975). Someone saved my life tonight [Recorded by Elton John]. On Captain fantastic and the brown
dirt cowboy [CD]. London, England: Big Pig Music Limited.
APA Reference Style Guide
Examples reflect standards published in the 6th edition of the Publication Manual, 2010
Developed and maintained by Prof. Mike Strahan
Updated 6/15/2010
http://library.nmu.edu/guides/userguides/style_apa.htm