Consider the purpose of an annotated bibliography. An annotated bibliography serves as a research tool for both the writer and the audience. As you prepare your bibliography, you gain a greater understanding of your source and subject. As your audience reads the bibliography, they gain a greater understanding of the sources available on your research topic.
Research and gather relevant source material. Seek out a broad range of material, making sure it is all credible and represents a range of perspectives. Peer-reviewed journal articles and specialized books should make up much of your bibliography.
Review your sources. Though you don't have to read your sources in their entirety, you do need to understand each one's important ideas.
Check your style. An MLA bibliography will have a different format than an APA bibliography. If you are not sure which style to use and the assignment guidelines don't specify, ask your instructor.
Write a full citation for your sources in the correct style. Review your style guide to ensure you write it correctly.
Summarize the main theme or scope of your source in 1 to 2 sentences. Provide your readers with an overview so they can understand the perspective of your source.
Record a brief observation on the credibility of the author (or source). Let your reader know why this is an author to be trusted-or not.
Discuss the intended audience. Understanding the audience gives insight into the source as a whole.
Compare and contrast your sources. Doing so helps you show how different perspectives are connected.
Show how this source brings a greater understanding of your topic as a whole. This element of your annotation will reveal your research skills while creating a unified document.
Apply the correct format. Basically, this includes alphabetizing your sources and following all format rules for the style you are using.