An annotated bibliography is a list of sources in which each citation is followed by a short paragraph — the annotation — that describes and evaluates the source. It is a common step in larger research projects because it forces you to engage critically with your reading before you start writing. This guide explains how to build one.
What an Annotation Does
Each annotation typically does three things: it summarizes the source's main argument or findings, evaluates its credibility and usefulness, and reflects on how it fits your own research. The exact emphasis depends on your assignment, so check whether your instructor wants summary, evaluation, reflection, or all three.
Format the Citations Correctly
Begin each entry with a full citation in your required style — APA, MLA, or Chicago — formatted exactly as it would appear in a reference list, and arrange entries alphabetically. Consistency matters here, so work from our citation styles guide as you format each one.
Write Concise, Evaluative Annotations
A good annotation is brief — usually one to a few sentences — but substantive. Avoid simply restating the title. Instead, capture what the source argues, comment on the author's authority and any bias, and note how the source supports or complicates your topic. This evaluation is what distinguishes an annotated bibliography from a plain reference list.
Evaluate Credibility
The process of annotating is really the process of evaluating sources, so apply the same credibility checks you would for any research: author expertise, currency, evidence, and peer review. University library guides and tools like Google Scholar help you locate and assess scholarly work efficiently.
An annotated bibliography is groundwork that pays off later — it leaves you with a vetted, organized set of sources ready to support the argument you build in your research paper.