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Annotated Bibliographies: Resource Guide

Image of a stack of academic journals in a magazine holder. Text reads Annotated Bibliographies.

What is an Annotated Bibliography?

A traditional bibliography is a list of books and articles you used when writing a paper. It includes details like the author's name, the title of the work, the date it was published, and where it was published. This helps readers find the sources you used.

An annotated bibliography includes all that information, plus a short summary and evaluation of each source. This helps future readers and researchers quickly see if a source is useful for them.

Here’s what you might include in an annotation:

  • The main purpose and scope of the work
  • A brief description of the content and format
  • The author's main argument and how current it is
  • The author's background and qualifications
  • The intended audience of the work
  • The value and significance of the work
  • Any possible weaknesses or bias
  • Special features like a glossary or index
  • Your own brief impression of the work

Most annotations are about 150 words long, roughly the length of a short paragraph. They can be written in full sentences or short phrases, depending on what your instructor prefers.

The number of sources you need to include in your annotated bibliography will depend on your assignment, so be sure to check with your instructor for specific guidelines.

WNC Links

General Resources

MLA Style Annotated Bibliographies

APA Style Annotated Bibliographies

Niche Academy Tutorials

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