Drafted Fall 2026
A bibliography is a list of sources used in research, papers, or projects, usually organized alphabetically by the author’s last name. Its purpose is to provide context or stimulate discussion. Note that it can cover all relevant sources consulted during the research process unlike a References or Works Cited page, which list only those sources actually cited in a project.
An annotation is a detailed description of a source, usually in a single paragraph underneath a reference entry. It should both summarize the work and evaluate its contribution to a field or a research project.
Create a reference entry for the source in the desired style (APA, MLA etc.). Usually these are placed above the annotation paragraph but sometimes they are placed in a list at the end. Format in-text citations in the paragraph in that same style. Write a paragraph of 5-6 sentences about the source and your research, here’s a model outline:
Always record basic details of every work you consult, not just a link. Tips: Check if there is a “Cite This Source” prompt available; even better write down the details (author(s), year of publication, title, publisher, etc.). Metro State has excellent handouts for the major styles or you could consult the style’s website, like APA Style and Grammar Guidelines, or a general website like Purdue OWL.
Eco, Umberto. How to Write a Thesis, Translated by Caterina Mongiat Farina and Geoff Farina, MIT Press, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/metrostate/detail.action?docID=3339948.
The book’s central claim is that integrating sources well is an art all writers should master, and it begins with strong research. Ironically, this is both easier and harder in the digital age. In a preface, the translators’ comment on the paradox of research advice from the era before the internet was relevant. Students can now access nearly anything from anywhere. Yet, such abundance may lead to losing a sense of where ideas came from and how they relate to each other. Eco emphasizes how the systems set out in the book instill fundamental academic virtues which then aid in owning both the process and the product of research. He maintains that while it may seem trivial, understanding the bibliographic details of sources is essential to using them effectively. How to Write a Thesis offers not only sound advice on how manage a project but also a profound understanding of scholarship. It is useful for researchers who wish to communicate their findings to others.