Citation Help

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

1. Choose Your Sources: Select books, articles, or other resources relevant to your topic.
2. Cite the Source: Use a consistent citation format (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
3. 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!

Helpful Resources