An annotated bibliography is a list of information sources. Each entry on the list contains a citation and an annotation. Depending on your specific assignment requirements, annotations may include:

• a brief summary of the source's methods, findings or conclusions;
• its strengths and weaknesses;
• its relationship to other sources; and/or
• a description of how this article helps you understand a topic.

The length of annotations can vary (e.g., 2-3 sentences, a longer paragraph, or multiple paragraphs), so pay close attention to the assignment instructions.

Annotated bibliographies may be assigned as independent research projects, or as one stage in a larger project.

Get more tips on writing annotated bibliographies from MRU Student Learning Services, the University of Toronto and Concordia University writing centres.