How to Create an Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliographies

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations, each followed by a short paragraph that describes and evaluates the cited work. It can help students practice research or learn about a subject, and it can serve as preparation for a later assignment, such as a presentation or research paper.

How to Create an Annotated Bibliography

1. Check the assignment requirements. Find out how many sources are required and what kinds are acceptable. Sources might include books, ebooks, newspaper or magazine articles, peer-reviewed articles, and reference entries. Consult the assignment guidelines or ask the professor if anything is unclear.
2. Choose the citation style. Use the style required by the professor, such as MLA or APA. If no style is specified, choose one and apply it consistently.
3. Prepare and verify citations. Create a citation for every source. Library citation guides can help; double-check citations generated by databases or citation tools for accuracy.
4. Order the citations. Arrange them alphabetically by the author’s last name. If a source has no author, use the first word of its title.
5. Write an annotation for each source. Annotations are typically four to six sentences, unless the professor gives different instructions. In your own words, they can:
   • Summarize the work.
   • Critically evaluate it.
   • Point out distinctive or helpful features.
   • Explain its usefulness or relevance to your research topic.

Do not copy the article’s abstract.

1. Format the bibliography. In general, use double spacing and a hanging indent. In Microsoft Word, set a 0.5-inch hanging indent using the ruler. For annotation placement:
   • MLA 9th edition: Start the annotation on the next line and indent it to the 1-inch margin line.
   • APA 7th edition: Start the annotation on the next line and keep it at the 0.5-inch margin line.

Follow any specific formatting directions from the professor over these general guidelines.

Speakers and Resources

• Speaker: An unnamed narrator providing guidance in a video from CSUN University Library.
• Resources and standards mentioned: The library’s OneSearch Basics tutorial, its Cite Your Sources page, and its Ask a Librarian service; MLA 9th edition and APA 7th edition citation and formatting styles.