Start Here!
This page will help you get started on your Hot Topics project. You will find information on keyword searching, topic background, and writing an annotated bibliography.
- SummonSearch the BGSU library catalog alongside the vast majority of our journal content at one time using Summon. Find and link to full text articles in scholarly journals and newspapers, ebooks, and images.
- EBSCO DatabasesAccess to all of the EBSCO databases which the library subscribes to, including our most heavily-used database, Academic Search Complete. Browse a list of all EBSCO databases or use the link above to search them all at the same time. You can also connect to EBSCO then click on "Choose Databases" to link to specific EBSCO databases.
- JSTOROver a thousand full-text scholarly journals and books covering all subjects in the humanities, sciences and social sciences. History, economics, art, literature, and mathematics are particularly strong. All journal titles are archived back to the first issue, many dating from the early 1800s.
Annotated Bibliography
Part of your Hot Topic assignment is to write an annotated bibliography using the APA citation guide. If this is your first time writing an annotated bibliography, the below information will help you understand the parts of an annotated bibliography. Have also provided an example of an APA formatted annotated bibliography entry to help with citation formatting.
- APAStyle.orgThe official website of the American Psychological Association Style Guide.
- Purdue OWL: Changes in the 7th edition of APA StyleA summary of the changes in the 7th edition of the APA Style Manual from Purdue OWL.
Parts of An Annotated Bibliography
| Summary | What are the main arguments? What is the point of this book or article? What topics are covered? If someone asked what this article/book is about, what would you say? The length of your annotations will determine how detailed your summary is. |
| Assessment | This is where you evaluate the source - Is it a useful source? How does it compare with other sources in your bibliography? Is the information reliable? Is this source biased or objective? What is the goal of this source? |
| Reflection on Relevance | How does the source fit into your research? Was this source helpful to you? How does it help you shape your argument? How can you use this source in your research project? Has it changed how you think about your topic? |
Example Annotated Bibliography in APA.
- Example Annotated BibliographyThis document can act as a template for your annotated bibliography. This is just an example and you may need to go to the APA style guide linked above to view more source type options.
Annotated Bibliography Worksheet
Use this worksheet to help organize your annotated bibliography.