An annotated bibliography is a list of sources that includes a summary and evaluation of each source. It is typically used to document research in the humanities and social sciences, and is often required as part of a research paper or dissertation. An annotated bibliography in the Harvard style is no different than any other annotated bibliography, but there are a few specific guidelines to follow when formatting the bibliography and writing the annotations.
To begin, you will need to compile a list of sources that you have consulted for your research. This should include a wide range of sources, such as books, journal articles, websites, and other materials that are relevant to your topic. Be sure to include all of the necessary bibliographic information for each source, such as the author's name, title of the work, date of publication, and any other relevant details.
Once you have compiled your list of sources, you will need to write an annotation for each one. An annotation is a brief summary and evaluation of the source. In your annotation, you should provide a summary of the main points or arguments presented in the source, as well as your own assessment of the source's value or relevance to your research.
When writing the annotation, it is important to keep the following in mind:
- Keep it brief: An annotation should be no more than a few sentences long.
- Be objective: An annotation should be a factual summary of the source, not a personal evaluation.
- Use your own words: Do not simply copy and paste from the source.
Once you have written your annotations, you will need to format your bibliography in the Harvard style. This includes:
- Alphabetizing the list of sources by the author's last name
- Using hanging indents for each source (the first line of the citation should be flush left, and all subsequent lines should be indented)
- Including the annotations after the citations
An example of an annotated bibliography in the Harvard style might look something like this:
Smith, John. "The History of the Internet." Journal of Computer Science, vol. 12, no. 3, 2002, pp. 56-65.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the internet, from its origins in the 1960s to its current state. The author traces the development of the internet from its early days as a network of computers used by government and military agencies, to its current role as a global communication and information network. The article is well-researched and provides a detailed account of the key events and technological innovations that have shaped the internet.
Jones, Mary. "The Impact of Social Media on Society." Social Science Review, vol. 45, no. 2, 2017, pp. 123-145.
This article examines the impact of social media on society, focusing on the ways in which it has changed the way we communicate and interact with one another. The author discusses the positive and negative effects of social media, including the way it has increased our connectedness and the potential for cyberbullying. The article also explores the potential consequences of our reliance on social media, including the impact on mental health and privacy.
In conclusion, an annotated bibliography is a useful tool for documenting and evaluating the sources that you have consulted for your research. By following the guidelines for writing annotations and formatting the bibliography in the Harvard style, you can create a clear and organized list of sources that will help you to effectively communicate your research to others.