What is an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is an alphabetically organized list of citations associated with a specific research paper, concept, or topic. An annotation is added to each citation, which includes a brief summary or evaluation of the source. This helps any reader to assess the credibility of the sources being used for a specific research paper or project. An annotated bibliography is an important part of the research process as it allows the researcher to organize, document, and recall the most important works of literature on the topic.

Why are Annotated Bibliographies Important?

An annotated bibliography is an important part of the research process as it allows the researcher to organize and document the literature that is most useful and relevant to the research paper or project. By creating an annotated bibliography, the researcher is able to identify the most authoritative and reliable sources, as well as have an organized view of the sources used in their research paper or project.

Creating an Annotated Bibliography

Creating an annotated bibliography can be a daunting task, but it can also be very rewarding. To begin, the researcher should consult a reference source such as the library or an online database to compile a list of citations relevant to their research topic. Once the list is compiled, the researcher should read each source and summarize the main points of each source in their own words. Finally, the researcher should create an annotation for each source that includes a brief summary and/or evaluation of the source. The annotation should include a brief description of the source’s purpose, content, and quality. It is important to remember to include the correct format for each citation, as well as to create meaningful annotations that are both informative and concise.

Annotations are usually placed between 150 – 200 words in length, though the length of each annotation can vary based on the assignment requirements. An annotation should include evaluation, analysis, and reflection as well as description. The goal of an annotation is to aid the reader to critically evaluate the source and determine if it is applicable to specific research topics.

Once the annotated bibliography is completed, the researcher can use it as a reference tool to find and cite the most authoritative and relevant sources for the research paper or project. By creating an annotated bibliography, the researcher is able to quickly identify the most reliable sources and use them in their research paper or project.