What is an Annotated Bibliography?, by Purdue OWL on YouTube. 5 min 9 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 9 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Gather the sources you plan to use and confirm each one is relevant to your research question. Read enough of each source to describe its argument and purpose.
Choose the citation style your course requires, such as APA, MLA or Chicago. Follow that style's rules for the full reference entry of every source.
Write a short introductory paragraph that states the scope of the bibliography. Explain the topic and the kinds of sources you included.
List the citation entries in alphabetical order by author surname, or in the order your style guide requires. Keep the formatting consistent across all entries.
Add an annotation under each citation. Summarise the source's main point and describe its purpose and audience in two or three sentences.
Say how the source relates to your project. Note whether it supports, challenges or fills a gap in your argument.
Check each annotation for accuracy and tone. Ask whether a reader could tell why the source matters from your note alone.
Review the whole document for consistent spacing, indentation and citation format before you submit it.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep annotations short and focused, usually one paragraph of about 100 to 150 words.
Do not copy the source's abstract word for word; write the summary in your own words.
Match the citation format exactly to your style guide, including italics and punctuation.
Check with your instructor on the required annotation length and whether to include evaluation of the source.
Questions
What is the difference between a bibliography and an annotated bibliography?
A plain bibliography lists your sources. An annotated bibliography adds a short note under each entry that summarises and evaluates the source.
How long should each annotation be?
Most assignments ask for one paragraph of about 100 to 150 words. Check your assignment brief, since requirements vary by course.
Do I need an introductory paragraph?
Often yes. A short scope paragraph tells the reader what topic the bibliography covers and why those sources were chosen.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
