An annotated bibliography is the full citation of a source followed by notes and commentary about a source. The word “annotate” means “critical or explanatory notes” and the word “bibliography” means “a list of sources”. 

Annotations are meant to be critical in addition to being descriptive. Annotated bibliographies are useful because they present a list of resources that others can use for research, and each resource has information that describes what is in it and that evaluates it (describes what makes it unique, useful, or helpful).

This video below provides an overview of how to create an annotated bibliography including evaluating resources, writing annotations, creating APA references, and formatting the final document in the APA style. 

An annotated bibliography comprises the complete APA reference for a source followed by notes and commentary about that source. The word “annotate” means “critical or explanatory notes,” and the word “bibliography” means “a list of sources”.  Annotations are intended to be critical in addition to being descriptive.

Annotations are generally between five to seven sentences in length and appear directly under the APA reference. The entire annotation is indented 0.5 inches from the left margin and lines up with the hanging indent of the APA reference.

Use the question prompts below as a guide when writing annotations:

2 to 4 sentences to summarize the main idea(s) of the source.

• What are the main arguments?
• What is the point of this book/article?
• What topics are covered?

1 or 2 sentences to assess and evaluate the source.

• How does it compare with other sources in your bibliography?
• Is this information reliable? current?
• Is the author credible? have the background to write on this topic?
• Is the source objective or biased?

1 or 2 sentences to reflect on the source.

• Was this source helpful to you?
• How can you use this source for your research project?
• Has it changed how you think about your topic?