Creating An Annotation

Why annotations?

The purpose of annotations is to help readers select books that they want to read. This aim is consistent with, and part of, the purpose of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) to make available to blind and physically handicapped readers a library collection and service similar to that available to any reader through the public library system.

Individuals who are blind or handicapped have the same need as other library patrons to know about the contents of books before they decide to read them, but special conditions prevent them from using print library services for information. They cant browse until something attracts attention or use card catalogs and other reference material. They cant hold the book in hand and see the pictures, check the table of contents for material included, or flip pages to sample writing style.

NLS provides information to readers through book announcements, and annotations are an integral part of these announcements.

NLS works to provide access to book-information services through book announcements to readers, and annotations are an integral part of these announcements. These announcements are used in a variety of ways: on the copyallotment information used by network libraries to determine the number of copies of a particular book they wish to order for circulation to readers; in the bimonthly magazines Talking Book Topics and Braille Book Review, which readers use to select recently produced books; in annual and biennial catalogs of books produced during the dates listed; in subject bibliographies and minibibliographies devoted to a specific topic. The annotation is also narrated as part of the introductory information to a recorded book.

Most important, the annotation forms part of the database for the NLS International Union Catalog, which contains bibliographic records for braille and audio books available from a variety of sources in the United States and abroad. All records cite the holding agency, an essential feature for access to the material listed.

Annotations seem to be everywhere, and they remain with us for a long, long time. Consequently, each one needs careful consideration to begin with. While NLS has not recorded titles on either rigid or flexible discs for more than a decade, books already produced remain a part of the collection. Similarly, production of titles on cassette is being phased out in favor of a digital format, but the existing books will remain available to patrons, probably also for many years to come.

Elements of book announcements

Elements

Basic information about the book appears first. It is generally the same information available to print readers:

title—identifies the book
subtitle (if any)—provides additional information
author (or editor, compiler, translator).

Also included is information specifically for our audience:

a book number for ordering, which consists of a two-letter prefix that indicates the medium (RC for recorded cassettes, BR for braille, RD or FD for discs) followed by four or five digits
the name of the reader in case patrons have favorites or prefer male or female voices
the number of discs, cassettes, or braille volumes to indicate the length of the book
reissue or rerecord (when appropriate) to indicate that the book has been available before; patrons may have read it or wish to read it again.

Additions

Annotations, brief descriptions of whats in the book, follow and form the core of book announcementsthe part that gives the content and flavor of the work. Other information that readers might find useful is incorporated in the annotation and often comes after the description of the book's content:

sequel or prequel to . . . (early in the annotation or the first item after the description)
part of a series (if not given in a subtitle)
statements about strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex
grade level for juvenile or young adult books
awards to author or book
status as a bestseller.

Annotation replaces browsing

Such information is available, most of it on book jackets, to library patrons who can handle books. Sighted people can often determine the presence of sex, violence, and strong language through jacket summaries or by sampling a few pages. Sampling will also help with decisions about grade level and appropriateness of content. Because our readers cannot sample the books, they need to be provided with the information.

What an annotation does and doesnt do

An annotation covers the scope of the book and the author's approach—either directly through statements or indirectly through tone and style—and gives readers enough information to make their own decisions. It does not say this is a good book; it shows that. Good annotation writing doesnt declare itself; it is good because it doesnt intrude on content, but complements it.

An annotation should

reflect content
be interesting and readable
avoid being judgmental

The announcement as a whole should be

bibliographically accurate
stylistically correct
written for audio as well as visual readability.

An annotation is not

A review: A review gives general information about content, considers the authors intent, and comments on success. It expresses a personal point of view and is always signed, either individually or in a list of editors.
An abstract: An abstract gives a condensed version of total content. Its generally used for technical works and shows the problem tackled, method or procedure, and conclusions drawn. Total content is more information than our readers need; too many facts can kill interest rather than arouse it.

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Posted on 2006-02-24