An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph; the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.
Creating an annotated bibliography calls for the application of a variety of intellectual skills – concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research.
The Process
First, students must locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on the topic. They should briefly examine and review the actual items, subsequently choosing those works that provide a variety of perspectives on the topic.
Cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate style.
Write a concise annotation that summarises the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that (a) evaluate the authority or background of the author, (b) comment on the intended audience, (c) compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, or (d) explain how this work illuminates your bibliography topic.