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Annotated Bibliographies

Online Library Home > Help Doing Research

Writing an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is an organized list of citations (sources such as books, articles, and other materials) relating to a specific topic where each citation is followed with a brief descriptive note or "annotation." The citations are formatted in a specific citation style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago (your instructor should indicate the style they want you to use). The annotations in your bibliography can:

describe the book or article's content
demonstrate the book or article's relevance to your research
discuss the reliability or validity of the book or article's content
present your reactions to the book or article's content

Several excellent online tutorials are available to help you arrange, write and format your annotated bibliography. You may wish to begin with the Empire State College Genesee Valley Writing Center tutorial on annotated biblographies (see sidebar at right).

It can be helpful to review samples of existing annotated bibliographies, too. Remember, however, to follow the style and format that your instructor has indicated in your assignment.

Sample Annotated Bibliographies (Purdue University)
Sample Critical and Descriptive Annotations (University of Newfoundland)

Many thanks to Susan Hollis for sharing information on annotated bibliographies for this page.

To learn more:

Annotated Bibliographies
(Empire State College Genessee Valley Center)
Presents three key steps to writing an annotated bibliography plus samples in two citation styles.

Annotated Bibliographies
(Purdue University)
Defines the purpose, format, and method for creating an annotated bibliography.

Annotated Bibliographies
(University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Includes information on how to write and format an annotated bibliography.

Annotated Bibliographies
(University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Overview of annotated bibliographies and examples in several citation formats.

How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography
(Cornell University)
Explains the difference between annotations and abstacts in an annotated bibliography and how to critically appraise materials when writing annotations



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