An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to help you on the research paper which is due later on. The brief description and citation is then placed inside an outline. Creating an annotated bibliography calls for the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research. The annotated bibliography becomes the foundation of your paper.
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 or will support your thesis. You must choose at least 15 sources, the majority of which must be dated within the last three years and have come from our library resources. Cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate style and place it within the appropriate part of your paper (i.e. introduction, body, discussion, etc.)
Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, or explain how this work illuminates your bibliography topic or support your thesis.