An annotated bibliography is basically a detailed citation list. Each citation is followed by a brief (150-200 words) descriptive paragraph (the annotation).
Author, A.A., & Author, B.B. (Date of Publication). Title of article. Title of Online Periodical,
volume number(issue number), page range. Retrieved from http://www.homepage.com/fullurl/
Underneath your correctly cited source, using the latest edition of MLA/APA/Chicago style, you will have the annotation or the descriptive paragraph. This information is meant to inform other readers of the accuracy, quality, and relevance of each source. Summarize the theme and scope of the item. Do *not* simply copy/paste the abstract. Evaluate the author's perspective and background. What makes the author(s) an authority on this subject? Who is the intended audience? Compare/contrast this item with another that you've included in your bibliography. How is this work unique? Does it agree/disagree with other works? Explain how this work supports your topic. Why have you identified it as important enough to include? What makes it relevant?
Purdue Owl - Writing Lab - Annotated Bib.
Sample APA Annotation
Ehrenreich, B. (2001). Nickel and dimed: On (not) getting by in America. Henry Holt and Company.
In this book of nonfiction based on the journalist's experiential research, Ehrenreich attempts to ascertain whether it is currently possible for an individual to live on a minimum-wage in America. Taking jobs as a waitress, a maid in a cleaning service, and a Walmart sales employee, the author summarizes and reflects on her work, her relationships with fellow workers, and her financial struggles in each situation.
An experienced journalist, Ehrenreich is aware of the limitations of her experiment and the ethical implications of her experiential research tactics and reflects on these issues in the text. The author is forthcoming about her methods and supplements her experiences with scholarly research on her places of employment, the economy, and the rising cost of living in America. Ehrenreich’s project is timely, descriptive, and well-researched.
The annotation above both summarizes and assesses the book in the citation. The first paragraph provides a brief summary of the author's project in the book, covering the main points of the work. The second paragraph points out the project’s strengths and evaluates its methods and presentation. This particular annotation does not reflect on the source’s potential importance or usefulness for this person’s own research. For information on formatting APA citations, see our APA Formatting and Style Guide.