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Many students are familiar with the term "bibliography," but the word “annotated” tends to cause confusion. The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to inform the reader as to the content, relevancy, and accuracy of sources listed.

What is an Annotated Bibliography?
{bibliography} + {annotation} = annotated bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources -- or citations-- organized alphabetically. An annotation is a description of the source. An annotated bibliography combines the two: it begins with a citation and is followed by a brief paragraph that describes the source.

The rules for any standard annotation:

What to include in an Annotation:

Format

Begin each entry with a complete bibliographic citation. Citations include:

•  author
•  title
•  publication information
•  date

The order of each will depend on the type of source you're citing and the style used. MLA and APA are the styles used most frequently; however, there are other styles to choose from ( Chicago , Turabian, CBE, ASC, etc.). Check with your instructor for style requirements. (Style handbooks are available in the Library or here in the Writing Center)

• The bibliographic citation and annotation are usually double-spaced.
• Typically, there is a double-space between the citation and the annotation.
• Typically, the annotation (the summary) is indented 10 spaces on the first line and 5 spaces for every line to follow.
• Skip a line between each bibliographic entry.
• Check with your professor for any additional, specific format preferences.

Example of a bibliographic entry

FOR A BOOK:

MLA style

Author. Title of Book. City of publisher: Publisher's name, year.

Gurko, Leo. Ernest Hemingway. New York: Crowell, 1968.

APA style

Author. (year). Title of book. City of publisher: Publisher's name.

Wilson, L. (1968). Today's students. New York: Prentice-Hall.

An example of a bibliographic entry with annotation

Gurko, Leo. Ernest Hemingway. New York: Crowell, 1968.

Gurko's provides a general introduction to the writer. After fifty pages of

straight biography, Gurko discusses Hemingway's major works. The book is

particularly useful for those interested in details of Hemingway's life as well

as his novels, rather than his short fiction. Gurko applies some useful literary

criticisms to Hemingway's novels which is beneficial to any reader or student

who would like additional insight into Hemingway's fiction.  

*Disclaimer: This handout is meant as a guideline. Please note that there may be variations in format depending upon a professor's preferences. Please check with your professor.

Adapted from:

Lester, J.D. & Lester, Jr., J.D. Writing Research Papers in the Social Sciences. New York : Pearson, 2006.

Aaron, J.E. The Little, Brown, Compact Handbook with Exercises 6 th edition. New York : Pearson, 2007.

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© 2006

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