Annotated Bibliographies: What, Why, and How?
What is an Annotated Bibliography?
📖 Bibliography: A list of sources used to research a topic.
📝 Annotation: A description, summary, or evaluation of a source.
✨ Annotated Bibliography: Combines the two—a list of sources with annotations for each.
Why Write an Annotated Bibliography?
- 💡 Understand Your Sources: Summarize and evaluate the information.
- 📚 Organize Research: Keep track of key insights and relevance to your topic.
- 🛠️ Prepare for Projects: Lay a solid foundation for essays or presentations.
How to Write an Annotated Bibliography
- Choose Your Sources: Select books, articles, or other resources relevant to your topic.
- Cite the Source: Use a consistent citation format (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
- Write the Annotation: Include:
- A brief summary of the source.
- An evaluation of its credibility and usefulness.
- Reflection on how it supports your research.
Pro Tips for Success
✅ Keep annotations concise—150-200 words per source is typical.
✅ Follow your instructor’s guidelines for formatting and style.
✅ Double-check citations for accuracy!