- Brandel Library
- Research Guides
- HIST 1000: Global Themes in History (Clay)
- Annotated Bibliographies
HIST 1000: Global Themes in History (Clay)
Annotated Bibliographies
Definitions and Formats
- Bibliographies are lists of the resources used in the writing of a document (paper, essay, article, book, etc.).
- Bibliographies usually list the resources without any added comments.
- Annotated bibliographies are list of resources that also include comments by the person who is compiling the bibliography.
- Annotations can be divided into 2 basic categories:
- Summarizing / Describing: Sentences that briefly and accurately re-state what the article says.
- Evaluating / Analyzing: Sentences that provide your judgment about the accuracy of the information, the usefulness of the examples, the clarity of the writing and explanations, and the persuasiveness of the arguments.
- The length can vary from a single sentence to several paragraphs. Always follow your professor's guidelines for the specifics of the assignment. In general, it might be good to provide 1-2 sentences of summary and 1-2 sentences of evaluation and perhaps another sentence that states how you will incorporate this resource in your paper.
Annotated Bibliography: Samples
Annotated Bibliography: Explanation, Analysis
MLA Annotated Bibliography Format
MLA annotated bibliography format
https://style.mla.org/
The MLA Style Center and the current edition of the MLA Handbook provide the following guidance for formatting an MLA annotated bibliography:
- Title your reference page as “Annotated Bibliography” or “Annotated List of Works Cited.”
- Place each annotation after its reference.
- Annotations should typically not exceed a single paragraph.
- Annotations should be indented one inch from the start of your citation.
- Double-space all text on the page.
- 1-inch margins around the page.
Sources in an annotated bibliography can be organized alphabetically by the first word in each reference (as with a normal Works Cited page), by publication date, or by subject.
For a visual example of an annotated bibliography, as well as specific annotation examples, visit the MLA annotated bibliography guide.