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University of Iowa

University Libraries

Education Resources: Annotated Bibliography

What's an Annotated Bibliography?

This video from UCF Libraries explains the differences between an annotated bibliography and literature review. 

The Basics

An annotated bibliography is often used in academic writing to help guide the research process by presenting a focused selection of sources that are relevant to your topic.

Check with your professor's instructions regarding:

  • number of sources needed,
  • length of each entry,
  • citation style to use (in this case, APA Style)

Always Include:

A Bibliographic
Citation
  • List your sources following a standard citation style (ex. APA style)
  • Alphabetize your list by author's last name

An Annotation
  • Write your annotation in paragraph format
  • Provide a summary of the scope, main points, and central theme of the article
  • Describe any conclusions that can be drawn from the article
  • Comment on the intended audience
  • Compare or contrast this source with another you have cited
  • Point out any notable biases or gaps you detect
  • Evaluate and explain why this source is relevant or suitable for your topic

Selecting Sources & Writing Tips