University Library > Annotated Bibliography

Creating an Annotated Bibliography

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The most common type of bibliography is that located at the end of a research paper, an article, or a book. It contains a list of sources used during the writing and research process, and the bibliographic citation entries include basic publication information about each source, such as author, title, publisher, date and page numbers. The purpose of such a bibliography is simply to let the reader know which sources were used to write the paper, article or book, and to help the reader locate those original sources, if desired. This type of bibliography also goes by other names, such as Works Consulted or Works Cited, depending on the citation style being used.

An annotated bibliography is more substantive. It includes not only citations for the sources used, but a short annotation of each source. This provides the reader with additional information about each source. The content of an annotation varies. It might summarize, evaluate, and/or critique a source, among other things. The length of an annotation also varies, but is generally just a few sentences or a paragraph. The citation style used to create the annotated bibliography (APA, MLA, Turabian, etc.) is up to your professor.

The following web sites may be of assistance to you when creating your annotated bibliography. These sites are provided for general assistance only. Because the format, content and length of annotations vary, please ask your professor for guidelines to follow when beginning your assignment.

Web Sites

  • Annotated Bibliographies - (Laurie Carlson, University of Kansas Writing Center)
    Brief explanation of an annotated bibliography, along with information on two types of entries: descriptive and evaluative. An example of each type is given.
  • Annotated Bibliographies - (The OWL at Purdue, Purdue University)
    Reasons for and format of an annotated bibliography, and explanations of several annotation types.
  • Annotated Bibliographies - (The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison)
    Provides explanations of four different types of annotations: indicative, informative, evaluative, and combination, with an example of each; also includes a brief discussion on what formatting style and writing style to use. A Java plugin may be required to view examples.
  • How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography - (Olin and Uris Library, Cornell University, New York)
    A brief explanation of what an annotated bibliography is, as well as an example annotated entry in both APA and MLA styles.
  • How to Write an Annotated Bibliography - (University Library, University of California-Santa Cruz)
    Detailed information on the composition and purpose of an annotated bibliography. Examples of annotated entries in two writing styles—phrase style and complete-sentence style—are given.
  • Write an Annotated Bibliography - (Joyner Library, East Carolina University)
    Explanation of an annotated bibliography and its purpose, as well as information on the content of descriptive annotations and critical annotations.
  • Writing an Annotated Bibliography - (University of Minnesota Crookston Library)
    Brief listing of the possible content of an annotation and the different purposes of an annotated bibliography. Two examples of annotated entries in APA style are given.
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Additional Resources

The following books are kept at the Reference Desk on the second floor of the University Library. Some titles also have copies in the Main Collection which can be checked out; check the library's online catalog. The citation style manuals for MLA, APA, and Turabian are useful when creating bibliographic citations; however, for guidance on the format, content, and length of your annotations, please talk to your professor.

  • Harner, J. L. (2000). On compiling an annotated bibliography. New York: MLA.
    Call number: Z1001 .H33 2000
  • Gibaldi, J. (2003). MLA handbook for writers of research papers (6th ed.). New York: MLA.
    Call number: LB2369 .G53 2003
  • American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: APA.
    Call number: BF76.7 .P83 2001
  • Turabian, K. L. (1996). A manual for writers of term papers, theses, and dissertations (6th ed.). Chicago: U of Chicago P.
    Call number: LB2369 .T8 1996