An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (approximately 500 words) descriptive and evaluative review of the source. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

    Cornell University has created a step by step guide on how to complete an annotated bibliography which we have included below. For further guidance please use their website:

http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill28.htm

Below we have also provided step by step instructions for completing an annotation. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Teaching American History Office.

Creating an Annotated Bibliography

1. Locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic.
2. Briefly examine and review the actual items. Then choose those works that provide a variety of perspectives on your topic.
3. Cite the book, article, or document using MLA or APA writing style.
4. Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. Your annotation should include one or more sentences that (a) evaluate the authority or background of the author, (b) comment on the intended audience, (c) compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, or (d) explain how this work illuminates your bibliography topic. Each annotation should be approximately 500 words.