Definition: Citation management software is a software used store and use bibliographic citations (i.e., references). Some of these software are available as online freeware, included in an article database, or as a subscription or software that must be purchased.
Uses: Citation management software allows you to store citations that you either import from databases and library catalogs or enter manually. These management systems also let you edit and modify the citations to add more data or attach documents and other files. You can organize your citations by project, class, or any variety of ways.
Double check citations. Citation management software isn't perfect. Always double check a citation created by a citation management software by referring to the style manual appropriate to the style you are using.
Selected freeware options:
Mendeley is a robust and free reference manager and academic social network that can help you organize your research, collaborate with others online, and discover the latest research. You can easily import citations from WMU Library Search and most databases. WMU Libraries offers Mendeley workshops throughout the semester.
Zotero is a free, open-source research management tool that is a Firefox add on. It lets you collect, manage, and cite research resources. Please note that there are known issues with the desktop version of Zotero when trying to import/export citation files (RIS) from Library Search. WMU Libraries offers Zotero workshops throughout the semester.
EasyBib is a free citation management software that works easily with WMU's Library Search. More limited than options listed above.
What is an annotated bibliography?
Let's break it down. A bibliography is a list of citations of resources. An annotation means that there is descriptive text added to the citation.
So, an annotated bibliography is a list of resources that includes the full citation of each resource followed by a summary or evaluation of each resource. The length of the summary/evaluation can be as long or as short as you want. You can write 1-2 paragraphs or 1-2 pages depending on the level of information you are trying to gather about the resource. It can also vary depending on whether or not it is for an assignment. Ask your professor if he or she has a desired length.
Many times, you will want to include an introductory paragraph to your annotated bibliography. The purpose of this paragraph is to introduce the reader to your topic.
What should I include in my summary/evaluation?
When you write your summary or evaluation of the resource, you want to convey a few basic ideas: relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited. You are trying to inform the reader of your annotated bibliography and why it is or is not a good resource for your research project.
Ask yourself these questions:
Is the author of the resource knowledgeable and authoritative? Is the resource written for your purposes? Is it an academic resource? Something more for the general public? For children? Does this resource help the argument I am presenting in my research paper or project? Where did you find this information? In the library? In a database or on the web?
How do I write an annotated bibliography?
One way to assess your resources is to SKIM, this is not a close reading. You are just trying to get a snapshot of what is in the resource. For an article, get clues from the title, headings, chapter titles, read the first few sentences of each paragraph. When assessing a book, get information from major divisions of the book, from chapter titles, or subheadings in a chapter. Read the introductions and conclusions of each chapter for information.
You may want to do a more in-depth annotation and do a close reading of the resources.
Is an annotated bibliography the same as including an abstract?
No, an annotated bibliography is a critical look at a resource. An abstract is only a description and summary of the content. You want to summarize and assess your resource.
Why write an annotated bibliography?
Many professors assign annotated bibliographies as a way to help you start your research and get you thinking about the information you need to gather for your assignment.
Assessing and critically thinking about your resources helps you recognize how relevant, current, and authoritative your information sources are for your argument. When you are in the middle of the research process, it is helpful to take notes on the resources you find. You will be able to weed out the useless or irrelevant material and focus more on what is productive for your assignment.
By writing an annotated bibliography, you can both learn about your topic and inform the reader of the quality of your information your information sources.
On Compiling an Annotated Bibliography
Purdue OWL Guide to Annotated Bibliographies
How well can you write an annotated bibliography?
Answer these questions to find out.