The Annotated Bibliography

 

What Is an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography contains a bibliographic entry (a works cited entry) of a published work followed by a short paragraph or summary describing that work.

 

Two Main Parts of an Annotated Bibliography:

  • In both MLA and APA formats, an annotated bibliography entry begins with a citation that includes required information such as the author, title, publisher and date.
  • The second part of an annotated bibliography is a summary, usually a very short paragraph, in which you describe the publication cited.  Your instructor may ask for specific information, but generally the annotations include a description of the publication’s purpose or genre, the topic, and the layout (number of chapters/pages, types of headings, kinds of illustrations, list of contents, or index, for instance).

 

MLA and APA Annotated Bibliography Formats:

 

 

                       MLA Format                                                            APA Format

 

Baugh, L. Sue.(1992). How to Write Term

Papers and Reports.  Lincolnwood,

IL. VGM Career Horizons.

 

            This textbook informs the reader on writing techniques.  The book is separated into three main parts: “Preparing to Write,” “From First Draft to Final Paper,” and “Final Touches.”  In addition, the author devotes a chapter to oral reports.  Baugh also provides illustrations as well as two appendixes, A and B, discussing research and providing sample papers and reports.  Also included are grammar explanations and style tips. 

 

 

Technical Tips:

 

  • Alphabetized:  The annotated bibliography entries are alphabetized according to citation – names of authors or books, or the words that begin each entry – just as a works cited page is.
  • Double-spaced:  Your entries, summaries included, are double-spaced throughout.
  • Summarized:  Be brief and factual in descriptions of the publication.
  • Present Tense:  Because you are describing a published work, which continues to exist, use present tense verbs to describe it.
  • Correct indentation:  MLA and APA require different indentations for the citation and for the summary.  (The examples provided indicate the correct format for the style you use.)