Annotated bibliographies not only lists sources related to a given topic, but also summarize the content of each work. They may also provide commentary on the usefulness of each source. Traditionally, annotated bibliographies indicate and discuss the relationships between sources as well.
Start by carefully reading each of your sources. Take notes on and highlight important information to be included in your annotation.
Begin each annotation with a bibliographic citation following MLA, APA, or another specified style. Ask your instructor which style to use.
The information included in your annotation will vary with each assignment, but may include:
Be sure to check with your instructor to verify what information should be included in your annotated bibliography and how long each annotation should be.
You might ask yourself why annotated bibliographies are necessary. Creating an annotated bibliography can be time-consuming, but it's a way for you to get an in-depth, nuanced look at your sources. Annotating sources makes it hard to simply cite something and pull out a few quotes; you have to know the source inside, outside, and upside-down.
Doing the bibliography can also help you organize your sources and your thoughts. This will help you write a stronger paper! When you know all your sources well, you start to see how they synthesize with one another and blend into a more cohesive argument. It may even show you that the sources you've chosen aren't really the best ones for the job. Additionally, it assures your professor you know your sources well and you chose them with purpose.