Annotated Bibliography in Chicago Format
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and other sources, each followed by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph. The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) provides guidelines for formatting both the citations and annotations. Below is an example of an annotated bibliography in Chicago format, along with explanations of key elements.
Example Entry 1:
Book
Coe, Michael D., and Rex Koontz. Mexico: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary Culture and History. ABC-CLIO, 2013.
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides an in-depth exploration of Mexico’s history, culture, and politics from the pre-Columbian era to the present. Organized alphabetically, it includes entries on key figures, events, and cultural phenomena, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and students alike. The authors’ expertise in Mesoamerican studies ensures accuracy and depth, though the work is more accessible to academics than to general readers.
Example Entry 2:
Journal Article
Gergen, Kenneth J. “The Social Construction of the Self.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 37, no. 3, 1979, pp. 580–592.
Gergen’s seminal article introduces the concept of the self as a socially constructed entity, challenging individualistic perspectives in psychology. Drawing on sociological theories, he argues that identity is shaped through interpersonal interactions and cultural norms. This work remains influential in social psychology, though critics have questioned its applicability to non-Western contexts.
Example Entry 3:
Online Source
“Climate Change and Global Food Security: A 21st Century Challenge.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2018, www.fao.org/climate-change/en/.
Strengths: This report offers a detailed analysis of the impact of climate change on global food systems, supported by data from multiple regions. Its policy recommendations are practical and actionable.
Limitations: The focus on large-scale agriculture overlooks the role of smallholder farmers in mitigating climate risks.
Key Elements of a Chicago-Style Annotated Bibliography
Citation Format:
- Follow Chicago’s author-date or notes-bibliography style, depending on your discipline.
- Include all necessary elements (author, title, publisher, date, etc.) in the correct order.
- Follow Chicago’s author-date or notes-bibliography style, depending on your discipline.
Annotation Structure:
- Descriptive: Summarize the source’s main argument, scope, and methodology (3–4 sentences).
- Evaluative: Assess the source’s strengths, limitations, and relevance to your research (1–2 sentences).
- Descriptive: Summarize the source’s main argument, scope, and methodology (3–4 sentences).
Formatting:
- Double-space the entire document.
- Indent annotations by 0.5 inches.
- Use a font like Times New Roman (12 pt.).
- Alphabetize entries by the author’s last name or title, if no author is listed.
- Double-space the entire document.
Tips for Writing Annotations
- Be concise; annotations typically range from 100 to 200 words.
- Focus on the source’s contribution to your research topic.
- Avoid personal opinions; maintain an objective and analytical tone.
How do I choose between Chicago’s author-date and notes-bibliography styles?
+The notes-bibliography style is commonly used in humanities (e.g., literature, history), while the author-date style is preferred in physical, natural, and social sciences. Check with your instructor or discipline guidelines for clarity.
Can I include direct quotes in annotations?
+Annotations should summarize and evaluate in your own words. Direct quotes are generally unnecessary and may detract from the brevity and focus of the annotation.
How detailed should the citation be for online sources?
+Include the author, title, publication date, and URL. If no author is listed, start with the title. For webpages, provide the access date in parentheses at the end of the citation.
By adhering to Chicago’s formatting guidelines and crafting thoughtful annotations, you can create a bibliography that not only cites sources but also demonstrates their relevance and value to your research.
