Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations accompanied by a brief description (the annotation) for each citation. Annotations are typically short paragraphs (150-300 words) that summarize the source, its main points, and an assessment of its value for the reader. Before you begin writing:

• Read your instructor's guidelines carefully.  Don't assume that you know the details of an assignment based on a brief overview in class or hearsay from your classmates.  For example, be sure that you know what citation style to use.  If there are written guidelines for your assignment, read them completely--and ask your instructor about anything you do not understand--before you begin.
• Only include quality, relevant sources.  Review sources carefully before adding them to your annotated bibliography.  Make sure that they relate directly to your topic and that they contain useful, credible information.  
• Summarize your sources in your own words.  Don't take information directly from a source, as this is considered plagiarism.  Be sure to include important points from the source, but be careful not to make annotations too long by including unnecessary details.
• Remember your audience.  Keep in mind that your essay should be written using college-level language for a professional audience (your instructor).  
• Provide detailed evaluations.  Provide reasons why you will, or will not, use each source for your research. Use the C.R.A.A.P. Test to evaluate the resource.
  • Currency:  Does my instructor require sources to have been published after a certain date?  Is the information outdated?
  • Relevance:  Does the source relate to my topic?  Is it specific enough?
  • Authority:  Does the author have the credentials to show that they are an expert on this subject?  Is there an organization that sponsored this source, and if so, is it credible and reputable?
  • Accuracy:  Are there spelling/grammar/typographical errors?  Was it edited and published by professionals?
  • Purpose:  Is there bias or strong emotional language throughout the source?  Is it trying to sell you something?

Library Resources for Annotated Bibliographies

Books & eBooks

Databases

Websites

Career Report

Before you begin writing:

• Read your instructor's guidelines carefully.  Don't assume that you know the details of an assignment based on a brief overview in class or hearsay from your classmates.  If there are written guidelines for your assignment, read them completely--and ask your instructor about anything you do not understand--before you begin.
• Remember your audience.  Keep in mind that your essay should be written using college-level research for a professional audience (your instructor).  Be careful not to condescend to your reader by making assumptions about his/her stance on your topic.
• Cite your sources.  If you make a statement that is not your own original thought or common knowledge (ex. "The sky is blue"), or reference other works directly, be sure to cite your source both in-text and at the end of your paper.

Library Resources for Career Reports

Databases

Videos

Websites

Literature Review

A literature review asks students to conduct research on a narrow topic to discover what current, scholarly sources have to say about it, and then present those findings within a cohesive report.  It should ask and answer, using scholarly sources, a central research question. Before you begin writing:

• Read your instructor's guidelines carefully.  Don't assume that you know the details of an assignment based on a brief overview in class or hearsay from your classmates.  If there are written guidelines for your assignment, read them completely--and ask your instructor about anything you do not understand--before you begin.
• Ensure that the sources you use come from peer-reviewed scholarly journals.  Some databases contain a wide array of sources, including non-scholarly works (such as newspaper and magazine articles), so watch out.
• Support your claims with evidence from the text or outside sources. Don't let personal opinions, emotions, or biases overshadow your logic and evidence. Avoid fallacies, or arguments based on poor/incorrect reasoning.
• Prewrite.  Using your notes to create an outline will give you a road map for writing your paper and will streamline the process.
• Remember your audience.  Keep in mind that your essay should be written using college-level research for a professional audience (your instructor).  Be careful not to condescend to your reader by making assumptions about his/her stance on your topic.
• Cite your sources.  If you make a statement that is not your own original thought or common knowledge (ex. "The sky is blue"), or reference other works directly, be sure to cite your source both in-text and at the end of your paper.

Library Resources for Literature Reviews

Databases​​​​​​​

Videos

Websites

Oral Interview Report

An oral interview report is a summary of key points and observations from a verbal interview. The document provides a structured and objective account of the interview.

Library Resources for Oral Interview Reports

Books & eBooks

Videos

“The Art of the Interview” (2008) (c) Films on Demand

Research Topic Proposal

Writing a research topic proposal gives you the opportunity to map out your project and get feedback from your instructor to ensure you're on the right track from the beginning. Before you begin writing:

• Read your instructor's guidelines carefully.  Don't assume that you know the details of an assignment based on a brief overview in class or hearsay from your classmates.  If there are written guidelines for your assignment, read them completely--and ask your instructor about anything you do not understand--before you begin.
• Support your claims with evidence from your research. Don't let emotion or personal bias overshadow your logic and evidence. 
• Remember your audience.  Keep in mind that your essay should be written using college-level research for a professional audience (your instructor).  Be careful not to condescend to your reader by making assumptions about his/her stance on your topic.
• Cite your sources.  If you make a statement that is not your own original thought or common knowledge (ex. "The sky is blue"), or reference other works directly, be sure to cite your source both in-text and at the end of your paper.

Library Resources for Research Topic Proposals

Databases

Videos

Websites

Rhetorical Analysis

According to Merriam-Webster, rhetoric is defined primarily as "the art of speaking or writing effectively."  When you conduct a rhetorical analysis of a work, you are to evaluate the purpose or goal of the piece, as well as how well the author uses language to achieve this goal. Key points to remember:

• Read your instructor's guidelines carefully.  Don't assume that you know the details of an assignment based on a brief overview in class or hearsay from your classmates.  If there are written guidelines for your assignment, read them completely--and ask your instructor about anything you do not understand--before you begin.
• Support your claims with evidence from the text or outside sources. Don't let personal opinions, emotions, or biases overshadow your logic and evidence. Avoid fallacies, or arguments based on poor/incorrect reasoning.
• Convey one main idea per paragraph.  Ensuring that each paragraph has a strong topic sentence, and that the paragraph as a whole stays on point, helps you organize your thoughts and helps your reader understand your claims.  
• Remember your audience.  Keep in mind that your essay should be written using college-level language for a professional audience (your instructor).  
• Cite your sources.  If you make a statement that is not your own original thought or common knowledge (ex. "The sky is blue"), or reference other works directly, be sure to cite your source both in-text and at the end of your paper.

Library Resources for Rhetorical Analyses

Databases

Websites