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3 Bibliographic Sources for

UNIT Research and Annotation

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:
◊ comprehend the concept of bibliography and its aims and functions

◊ explore branches of bibliographies

◊ analyse the importance of annotation

◊ locate the sources of bibliography

Background

Albert Einstein was a physicist known for his brilliant contributions to
science, including his renowned theory of relativity published in 1905. This
paper completely transformed how we understand space, time, energy, and
gravity. In developing his theories, Einstein was always meticulous about
citing his sources and providing appendices. His famous paper on relativity had
thorough notes and references of earlier physicists like Maxwell and Michelson
whose work helped inform Einstein’s ideas. He saw himself as building on the
breakthroughs of giants like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton and in fact, he
was standing on their shoulders to reach new heights in physics. Einstein valued
acknowledging these thinkers because he believed strongly in giving credit
where credit was due. As he once said, “The secret to creativity is knowing how
to hide your sources.” Of course, he was being ironic - Einstein always revealed
his sources. He understood that new discoveries relied on past insights. By
clearly citing his influences, Einstein demonstrated the progressive nature of
science.
His careful attention to source his work with citations allowed fellow
scientists to follow Einstein’s logic and verify his claims. This adherence
to openly sharing sources reflects Einstein’s commitment to integrity in the
scientific pursuits. He knew that a well-researched bibliography strengthens any
new theory by showing the reader its foundations. Through his influential work
and scrupulous commitment to sourcing knowledge, Einstein helped elevate

SGOU - SLM - Foundational Skills for Research and Writing 51