Example of an Annotated Bibliography: A Guide to Evaluating Sources

When compiling a list of sources for research purposes, it is crucial to go beyond simply listing references and provide additional context through annotations. Annotated bibliographies serve as a valuable tool for researchers, allowing them to critically evaluate the value of each source and make informed decisions about which resources to utilize in their work.

In an annotated bibliography, things to observe might include the availability of statistical data, inclusion of photographs or illustrations, author's qualifications, presence of a reference list, historical significance of the material, etc. While the annotation may include information on article or book content, its primary aim is to evaluate the article or book itself. To accomplish this, researchers must not only identify sources but also read them in their entirety or at least review key portions of the entire works to arrive at a critical assessment of their value.

Providing annotations for sources differs significantly from creating a bibliography, which involves documenting facts about the source and formatting information properly to create a simple list. While writing a bibliography is relatively straightforward and described in numerous style manuals, such as the APA's and MLA's guidelines, crafting an annotation requires more effort and critical thinking.

In conclusion, writing annotations for sources is a challenging yet essential step in creating an annotated bibliography. By taking the time to evaluate each source thoroughly, researchers can ensure that their work is based on credible and reliable information, ultimately leading to more accurate and informative research results.

Example of an annotation of an article