How to write an Annotated Bibliography

First, what is a BIBLIOGRAPHY ? Most simply, it is a list.

• A list of the works of a specific author.
• A list of items relating to a given subject. [articles, books, websites . . . ]
• Description and identification of the editions, dates of issue, authorship, and typography of books or other written material.

A filmography is a list of motion pictures by an actor, a director, or on a topic.
A discography is a list of musical recordings by a composer, performer or group.

Then, what is an ANNOTATION ?

• An annotation is a critical or explanatory note.
• Annotation is the act or process of adding commentary or notes.

What is the difference between an ANNOTATION and an ABSTRACT ?

• An abstract is a brief factual description of a specific article or book, often written by the author.
• An annotation, however, will reflect the personal judgement and opinion of the person compiling the bibliography. In an annotation, you may compare that work to others you viewed, comment on your rating of that source, criticize or extol the value of the document.

An ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY, therefore, is a listing which contains both the citation information, as well as a critical evaluative description of the items selected.

HOW LONG ARE ANNOTATIONS ? Depends on your assignment. Your instructor will specify the required length of the annotations.
Typically, annotations are around 150 words [or about 10 lines in 12 pitch font, normal margins].

To get started

• Select a topic.
• Select the books, articles or other resources you will write about.
• Read the selected items; it is a bit difficult to write descriptively about something you haven't read.
• Arrange the list in alphabetical order by the main entry (usually authors)

Revised October 2009