Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations/references with each one containing a brief paragraph describing and evaluating the source. 

The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited. It allows a researcher to analyze their source’s quality and appropriateness to their research question or topic. According to Excelsior's Online Writing Lab, annotations may include three things:

1. A brief summary of the information in that source.
2. A brief evaluation of the quality of the source’s information.
3. A brief evaluation of whether the source is useful for the purpose of the research.

NOTE: This is the suggested format for annotated bibliographies. Please be sure to follow your assignment instructions that your instructor has provided for you. 

Please watch the brief (about 5 minutes) video below from Purdue OWL that explains an annotated bibliography and how it relates to the research process.  

As always, remember to read your assignment guidelines before starting your annotated bibliography, so you know if you are on the right track.

Happy writing!