How to Write Annotated Bibliographies: A Quick Guide (with Samples)

Sable Mc’Oneal
Sable University Writing Tips
2 min readSep 30, 2018

Annotations are descriptive and critical; they may describe the author’s point of view, authority, or clarity and appropriateness of expression.

THE PROCESS

Creating an annotated bibliography calls for the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research.

1. Locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic. Briefly examine and review the actual items. Then choose those works that provide a variety of perspectives on your topic.

2. Cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate style.

3. Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that:

(a) Evaluate the authority or background of the author

(b) Comment on the intended audience

© Compare or contrast this work with another you have cited

(d) Explain how this work illuminates your bibliography topic.

(e) Include a quote that you intend to use verbatim or paraphrase for your portion of the research

Samples

Sample 1: https://medium.com/sable-university-writing-tips/musculoskeletal-pathology-annotated-bibliography-ea78accdb86d

Sample 2: https://medium.com/sable-university-writing-tips/annotated-bibliography-for-reducing-re-hospitalization-f26bcf03eb4

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